Pain meds or surgeries aren’t the only treatment options for back pain. Alternative, non-invasive treatments include physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Both these methods reap the maximum health benefits if combined with massage therapy. Yes, massage therapy reduces lower back pain significantly and also prevents further injuries to your back muscles.
A study was conducted with 104 participants suffering from lower back pain. At least 40% of them reported significant improvements in their back pain after consistent sessions of massage therapy.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the process of manipulating the soft tissues in your body using direct hands. The massage therapist applies optimum pressure with their hands on the injured tissues. They use a variety of techniques like rubbing, kneading, effleurage and friction to release tension and stiffness from the affected muscles and tissues.
How Does Massage Therapy Reduce Lower Back Pain?
Therapeutic massages work in multiple ways to reduce back pain.
First, the massage therapy techniques improve blood flow in the region. As the therapist massages the area, it boosts blood circulation, thereby allowing the oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to flow into the area. This accelerates the healing and recovery process.
Back pain often occurs due to the muscle knots developed in your back or shoulder muscles. Massage therapy unwinds these knots and brings you relief.
Massage techniques stimulate the release of pain-relieving hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These change your perception of pain and promote healthy mental benefits. You feel relaxed and can focus on healing.
The treatment loosens muscle spasms and allows them to function normally. Let’s say you strained your back while picking something up from the floor. Specific massage techniques can relieve the strain and restore your flexibility.
Which are the Most Effective Techniques?
The massage therapist assesses your injuries and prescribes the effective massage types accordingly. Some injuries may need deeper pressure while others may need light strokes to recover smoothly. It depends on the severity of your injury, existing health status and your health goals.
Here are the most common types suitable for back pain.
Shiatsu
It involves the application of deep pressure along particular meridians within your body. The therapist uses their knees, elbows, fingers or thumbs. This method provides deep-tissue relaxation and helps release toxins.
Swedish massage
This involves kneading and elongating the damaged soft tissues in a repeated pattern. The technique relaxes the soft tissues, loosens them and removes stiffness. The pain reduces and you regain mobility.
Trigger point therapy
Injuries or daily stress in the back muscles can develop trigger points within the muscles. These trigger points are primarily responsible for musculoskeletal pain. So, trigger point therapy relieves these points and reduces your pain.
Hot stone massage
This involves the placing of heated stones made of basalt at specific points on your body. The therapist may decide to move them on your skin depending on what you need. The heat from the stones reduces pain and promotes relaxation.
Sports massage
Sports massage therapy can relieve sore and stiff muscles often caused due to sports injuries. It also improves your range of motion and flexibility, thereby helping you improve your performance at the next game. Consistent sessions also prevent back injuries.
Each type of massage therapy serves a specific purpose. It is important to choose the right method for the best health outcome. The massage therapist may also guide you through lifestyle changes to prevent further injuries.
What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Back Massage?
The benefits of massage for back pain are:
- Relieves short-term pain
- Relaxes the mind
- Loosens muscles
- Boosts blood circulation
- Stimulates healing process
You should consult with a registered massage therapist as soon as you notice the symptoms. Let’s say you find it a little difficult to move your back in a specific direction. Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen. Talk to a professional so you get the proper treatment at the right time.
