Is Massage Therapy a Good Way To Treat Back Pain?

Of the many different causes of back pain, one of the most common involves damage to the muscles of the back.

Pain associated with an injured muscle is often short-lived. Muscle sprains from overuse, stress and overextension generally heal within a week. The muscles of the back can, however, experience long-term injury. If a muscle is constantly strained, tense or weak, a serious injury can develop that effects more than the muscle itself.

Fascia is a connective tissue that serves many functions in the body, one of which is to surround and protect muscles. Muscular fascia, or myofascia, becomes inflamed when it is near a damaged area. Inflammation is an attempt by the immune system to flood compromised areas of the body with chemicals that promote healing. Chronic inflammation, however, is harmful.

Inflamed myofascia causes severe muscle tightness and pain. Symptoms of this condition include sciatica, headaches and a limited range of motion due to the muscle restriction.

Massage therapy is often used to relieve muscle-related back pain. This non-invasive treatment alleviates pain caused by short-term muscle damage and long-term myofascial inflammation.

How Massage Therapy Works

Massage can stretch out tensed fascia and press inflammation fluids out of the area. Massages also relaxes tensed muscles. This reduction of tension and inflammation greatly decreases back pain. Massage also releases endorphins that boost mood and modify pain perception.

When massaged, the flow of blood increases and tissues like fascia become more pliable. This helps to restore proper functioning to the area.

Massage therapy was adopted from Chinese tradition. It was founded on the theory that the body contains energy fields that become blocked, and that massage can loosen blockages. Some practitioners still perform massages with the intent of balancing the flow of energy throughout the body.

Finding a Massage Therapist

Your search for the right massage therapist should begin by asking yourself what results you are seeking. Massage can serve many functions, and not all therapists perform every kind. Do you want stress management, energy balance, pain management, realignment therapy or injury treatment?

Another factor to consider is cost. If you’ve obtained a referral from a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or osteopath, your insurance may cover the bill.

Masseuses generally earn by the hour. Rates vary widely between different regions, but the University of Minnesota estimates the national average at $60.00 an hour.

If you are seeking occasional relaxation, maintenance or energy balance, one session a month may suit you. For stress management, two sessions a month is recommended. If you are require pain management, one session a week is suggested.

Before, During and After the Massage

Before:

Take a hot shower to loosen the muscles of the back.

It is generally a bad idea to eat just before a session, since lying on a full stomach while pressure is applied to your back can be uncomfortable.

During:

Remember to breathe. When painful areas are pressed upon, the discomfort can lead you to unwittingly hold your breathe. Remind yourself to breathe, since oxygen must be delivered to the massaged area.

Speak up. If something makes you uncomfortable, whether it is the pressure applied or the fact of being touched, communicate this feeling with the massage therapist. The more the therapist knows, the better he or she can help you avoid discomfort.

After:

It is important to stay well hydrated for 24 hours after receiving a massage. Massage releases toxins that must be flushed out of the system before they begin to recirculate.

Take a bath to prolong soothing effects by keeping your muscles loose.

Try it Out

Massage can reduce inflammation and repair muscles. If you’re suffering back pain due to muscle damage or myofascial inflammation, massage therapy may be a vital component of your treatment plan.

Keep in mind that massage can improve the health of the back in a number of ways. Aside from its effectiveness, massage has the benefit of being pleasurable. Not often do we encounter medicine that we can enjoy; massage can please your body and your mind.

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