CBD Massage for Pain Relief

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become popular in various products, including oils, lotions, and even food. It’s also gaining traction in massage therapy due to its purported health benefits, such as reduced pain and inflammation.

If you’re considering a CBD massage, you might have some questions. How does a CBD massage work? How effective is CBD? What are the potential side effects? Is CBD really effective for pain relief? Here’s what you need to know about CBD massage.

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD is one of the active compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, the same plant that produces marijuana. However, CBD contains 0.3% or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana that causes a “high.” CBD alone doesn’t cause intoxication but can make some people feel sleepy. While it doesn’t give you a high, CBD still affects your brain and body.

CBD is typically used as an oil applied to the skin or taken orally. It can also be vaped or consumed in capsules, extracts, cosmetics, edibles, and drinks.

How Effective Is CBD?

CBD is proven effective in treating rare seizure disorders and is the main active ingredient in Epidiolex, an FDA-approved medication for this purpose. Scientists are still exploring CBD’s effectiveness for other conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Currently, the evidence is limited.

Does CBD Help Relieve Pain?

Animal studies suggest that CBD may help alleviate pain and inflammation, but human research is still insufficient. Some small studies indicate potential benefits:

A 2018 survey of 2,409 CBD users found pain relief to be the most common reason for using CBD, with users reporting significant relief for chronic pain and arthritis/joint pain.
A 2020 study showed that topical CBD oil significantly reduced pain in peripheral neuropathy affecting the legs, ankles, and feet.
A 2021 survey of 878 people with fibromyalgia found many used CBD in place of other pain medications, often reducing or stopping their use of opioids and NSAIDs.
A 2023 study of 20 former professional athletes found that 70% reported significant pain reduction over time with topical CBD.

These studies are based on personal reports, and as with any pain reliever, individual responses to CBD vary.

What Is a CBD Massage?

A CBD massage is a traditional massage enhanced with CBD oil or cream. During the massage, a therapist rubs and kneads your muscles using different pressures. This type of massage offers the same benefits as a traditional massage, such as:

Relaxation
Stress reduction
Pain and soreness relief
Immune system boost
Joint inflammation reduction
Improved circulation
Better sleep
Anxiety reduction
Enhanced mood

With a CBD massage, the CBD oil or cream is applied to your skin, potentially increasing pain relief and reducing inflammation due to its absorption through the skin.

What Are the Benefits of a CBD Massage?

A CBD massage combines the benefits of traditional massage with the potential additional relief from CBD. While research on topical CBD is limited, massage improves circulation, possibly enhancing CBD’s pain-relieving properties and reducing muscle and joint inflammation.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD?

CBD is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects, including:

Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Mood changes, such as irritability or agitation

Are There Other Risks?

Consider these potential risks before getting a CBD massage:

Except for Epidiolex, CBD products aren’t FDA-approved and may have inconsistent CBD levels or contain THC.
CBD can interact with other medications, causing serious side effects.
Regular THC use combined with CBD can impair the brain or cause psychotic effects.
CBD use has been linked to liver damage and male fertility issues.
The effects of CBD on fetuses are unknown, so it’s not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
CBD can cause abnormal liver function test results, so inform your healthcare provider if you use CBD regularly.
The effective dosage of CBD for pain or other conditions is still unknown, requiring further research.
CBD products may contain enough THC to appear in urine tests, which could be problematic if your employer conducts drug tests.

Bottom Line

While a CBD massage might help relieve pain, consult your healthcare provider before trying one, especially if you have a chronic medical condition or are taking other medications.