5 Ways to Relax in Pain-Free Comfort

By Guest Blogger Mia Morales 

There is nothing like a great night’s sleep or a power nap in your favorite recliner to restore your energy and focus. However, for seniors and people of all ages living with chronic pain, it can be challenging to get comfortable anywhere, making relaxation difficult. Here are some ideas to help you find pain-free comfort and soothe those aching muscles and joints.

1. Invest in a Great Mattress

Consumers often make buying decisions based on price, and in many cases, the lower-cost products are perfectly adequate. However, given that people spend roughly one-third of their lives in bed, this is an area where it’s best not to be too frugal, and instead, buy the most comfortable bed you can afford. With so many products on the market today, it’s difficult to know where to start shopping for a mattress, and then you have to choose a box spring or foundation to go along with it, so it pays to do some homework in advance.

Typically, individuals with back and joint pain find foam mattresses to be the most comfortable. If you choose memory foam, a foundation is likely your best option because the foam mattresses tend to be heavy, and box springs don’t usually provide enough support for them.

2. Bring a Massage Chair Home

If you’ve ever had a pedicure at a nail salon, you have probably experienced the relaxing comfort of a massage chair. If you haven’t, you owe it to yourself to visit a showroom where they sell massage chairs and try a few. There are a variety of options, in a wide range of prices, and some of them are incredibly high-tech. Some of them can even help you stretch! If you find they are too costly, consider getting one second-hand.

3. Take a Hot Bath

Research has shown that taking a hot bath before bed may have many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving circulation and relieving cold and flu symptoms. It can also provide welcome relief from aching muscles and joints, reduce inflammation and help people of all ages get a better night’s sleep.

4. Find a Licensed Massage Therapist

A skilled and experienced massage therapist can provide hours, if not days, of pain relief after just one session. If you select a neuromuscular massage therapist, you will be treated by someone with extensive knowledge about anatomy, physiology and more. Besides making you relax and feel better, your massage therapist will likely give you some advice for home care, so you can get the most out of your session.

5. Listen to Guided Meditation

Sometimes relaxation and pain relief requires the use of mind over matter. Meditation has been found to help with chronic pain management, even for beginners. Many resources are available to help you learn how to meditate, including books, websites, videos, and apps. If you have difficulty meditating on your own, you may want to consider guided meditation. In this practice, you simply close your eyes and listen to a recorded voice that will guide you to a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Pain-free relaxation can be difficult for some, particularly seniors and people with back and joint problems. A new mattress is a great way to start since people spend so many hours in bed and because sleep is vital to good health. You may want to consider getting a massage chair for your home that will be available at all times, not just when you’re at the nail salon. Another way to relax and ease the pain of sore muscles and joints is to take a hot bath before bed. Studies have found there to be many health benefits for people of all ages. Neuromuscular massage and guided meditation can be very beneficial for managing chronic pain as well. There is hope for those who suffer from pain and the inability to relax comfortably. These five ideas could help you get started.

Mia is a devout fitness instructor, mother, and writer. She loves sharing her knowledge through blogging, teaching, and writing.