Several all-natural, hands-on therapies have been proven to provide pain relief without prescription or over-the-counter medications, according to an article in the January issue of the Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource.

Researchers say massage can help reduce pain, muscle soreness and swelling. It can also improve circulation, joint flexibility and range of motion. Massage has been shown to help those with chronic back pain, migraines, knee osteoarthritis and cancer.

Spinal manipulation or adjustment practitioners apply a controlled force or thrust to a joint of the spine to restore spinal movement, improve function and relieve pain. In addition to its pain-relieving benefits, this therapy may help boost psychological well-being as well as decrease headache symptoms and neck pain.

Rolfing, which manipulates the protective tissue around muscles, aims to improve posture and realign the body. Although it is similar to massage, it may be painful. There is little research on this method, but it is believed to help with flexibility and to relieve stress and anxiety.

Both the Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method aim to help patients become more aware of their habitual or everyday movements. The theory is that changing movement can help with pain and other health problems. It is believed that a combination of these techniques may help manage long-term chronic pain.