Dont Use Massage For Back Pain When
Massage therapy is a great way to reduce many types of back pain. However, in some cases, back pain may require other treatment.
Conditions for which massage therapy would not be appropriate:
- Broken or fractured bones When a bone is broken or fractured due to injury, it needs specific types of treatments to heal the broken bone. While massage therapy can help reduce pain, it cannot heal a broken bone. If your back pain is caused by a fracture, talk to your orthopedic physician about treatments that can help heal the fracture. After the fracture heals, massage therapy is a great therapy for reducing tension and stiffness, promoting blood flow, and restoring movement and flexibility in the back.
- Nonorthopedic causes of back pain Back pain is often caused by orthopedic conditions that involve the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or soft tissue in the body. However, back pain can also be caused by nonorthopedic issues such as organ problems. For example, kidney infections and appendicitis can cause pain in the lower back. For situations like these, massage therapy will be ineffective because it doesnt address the underlying cause of the pain.
Hitting The Right Spot
Would-be massage patients may confront a confusing roster of massage styles, ranging from Ayurvedic to shiatsu. But most massage styles fall into one of two broad categories: Swedish, involving long strokes of varying intensity levels, and deep tissue, which concentrates on kneading knots and trigger points in muscles and connective tissue .
Some therapists consider deep-tissue massage especially effective in chronic cases, but any style may counteract pain if it suits you, experts agree. Check with your regular health care practitioner before starting massage therapy, however, if youre taking blood thinners or suffer from severe osteoporosis, varicose veins or a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis that may be exacerbated by pressure.
Butt Massage For Back Pain
More than 80 percent of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. For some people, the pain will be chronic and almost debilitating.
Before turning to surgery or prescription medicine, butt massage therapy may be an efficient way to ease back pain and improve range of motion.
Butt massage may help relieve back pain from:
- a bruise in the buttocks, such as from a fall or injury
- sciatica, a sharp, burning pain that radiates over the buttocks from the sciatic nerve
Massaging the butt helps relax the all-important gluteal muscles and eases pressure on other parts of the back, spine, and legs. When overworked or tight muscles can relax, they can recover more easily. This helps prevent muscle pain, strain, and damage.
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How Massage Therapy Works To Soothe Back Pain
Strategic massaging of back muscles associated with pain can bring relief in several ways:
- Massage relaxes the muscles. Even with spine-related issues, tense muscles in the back can exacerbate the pain, causing the patient to seize up. Massaging these tissues helps relieve that tension, reducing the localized stress.
- Massage improves blood flow. Stimulating circulation in the affected muscles helps bring fresh blood to the site of the pain, helping alleviate soreness.
- Massage can improve mobility. When the muscles are more relaxed, it restores movement. If the patient takes advantage of this restored mobility by engaging in a low-impact exercise like walking or aquatic therapy, this can also strengthen the muscles in the back, causing additional relief.
- Massage releases endorphins into the body. Endorphins are effectively natures pain relievers feel good chemicals that are released into the body through massage, further alleviating pain.
How To Find A Massage Therapist For Back Pain
Massage studios are ubiquitous, but due to some of the state and local laws surrounding who can provide massages, there are some considerations you should make before booking your appointment.
- Is the Massage Therapist licensed through an accredited group?
- Does the Massage Therapist have at least 500 hours of experience logged?
- Is the Massage Therapist trained in a variety of techniques/do they provide the technique you are most interested in?
The American Massage Therapy Association has a great search function to help find a certified massage therapist.
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Can A Massage Help Back Pain
JOHN HOPKINS MEDICAL LETTER ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN AUGUST 2008
Nonspecific back pain can be frustratingly difficult to treat, but there are potential benefits to massage therapy. Message can relax tight muscles and may improve blood circulation to the bodys tissues, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Massage also stimulates the release of hormones called endorphins may be why people often experience a heightened sense of well-being following a massage.
Sustained pain relief may require commitment: Studies on massage typically involve a course of therapy, not just massage. For instance, in a study from the Archives of Internal Medicine, among 262 people with chronic back pain, patients who received one massage per week for 10 weeks reported less back pain up to one year after the study ended.
How Does Massage Therapy Help
Living in this modern age affects our bodies. Chronic stress and anxiety cause extra muscle tension. All the attention to screens affects our posture. In addition, many modern jobs are spent behind a desk or in other inactive occupations. Its no wonder why more and more people are experiencing neck and back pain.
Massage offers many benefits to reduce short-term and chronic pain, especially in the back and neck. Some of these benefits include:
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What Is Massage Therapy
Massage therapy refers to different techniques of manipulating the soft tissues of the body to treat health symptoms and conditions. Massage therapy can involve pressing, rubbing, and applying pressure to soft tissue all over the body using the fingers, hands, elbows, and tools.
Benefits of massage therapy include:
- Increase blood flow Adequate blood flow throughout the body prevents waste products from being stuck in certain parts of the body and promotes healing. Massage therapy increases blood flow to soft tissues in the body, so it can heal and reduce pain.
- Relieve muscle tension Massage therapy takes tension and tightness out of muscles. It helps reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, aches, and stiffness.
- Reduce stress, anxiety Massage therapy helps improve relaxation, increase energy level and improve physical and mental performance. This can reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve sleep quality.
How To Use A Massage Gun For Back Pain
Heres exactly how to use a massage gun for back pain and sciatica:
A few minutes of back massage is enough to get the benefits of a massage gun. Theres no need for more than this.
Warning avoid the bones. You probably wont cause any damage if you accidentally hammer at a bone, but it wont be comfortable. Focus on large muscle groups until you get the hang of using the massager.
Heres a short video demonstrating how to use it. Notice the gun barely touching the skin:
We hope youve found this post useful. Let us know if you have any questions or share your experience with percussion massage for back pain in the comment section below.
Pro Tip
Combine traction therapy at home to enhance healing from back injuries. See all about back traction at home!
Studies
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When To See Your Healthcare Provider
Consult your primary care provider about your back pain, if you havent already. You should also seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent back pain
- Back pain that awakens you in the night
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
- Numbness, weakness, or pain around the genitals, arms, or legs
- Fever, chills, sweats
- Any other unusual or new symptoms
Before starting any new therapy, including massage therapy, talk with your healthcare provider to be sure that its appropriate for you.
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Can A Deep Tissue Massage Cause Problems
Side Effects Although there is a small risk of harm from massage, deep tissue massage may not be for everyone. People should speak to their doctor first if they have any of the following conditions: A blood clotting disorder. increased risk of injury such as B. Fractures.
Who Should Avoid Deep Tissue Massage?
You should also avoid deep-tissue massages if youre pregnant. Gentle types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option. If you have an open sore or skin infection of any kind, you will need to reschedule the appointment to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.
Can you have too much deep tissue massage?
bottom line. So is too much massage harmful? The answer is yes, it can be. The best way to answer this is to listen to your body and be open with your massage therapist.
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When Additional Care For Your Back Or Neck Pain Is Necessary
When massage therapy or other non-invasive interventions arent providing you with relief, you may wish to consult with an orthopedic spine surgeon. Our dedicated team at New York City Spine can evaluate your symptoms and determine the most conservative course of action for your pain.
If surgery is necessary, then Dr. Daveed Frazier provides minimally invasive techniques designed to get you back to the comfortable, happy life you deserve. Schedule an appointment today so you can enjoy your lifepain-free.
How Massage Therapy Works
Massage techniques involve a combination of hands-on movements, such as kneading, stretching, compressing, and/or gliding that may range from light stroking to deep pressure.1,3 Massage is typically combined with first line treatments, such as physical therapy or manual manipulation, and aims to reduce pain, increase physical activity, and improve the quality of life.
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When Massage Therapy Is Contraindicated
The presence of certain underlying conditions and/or the type of massage administered may cause serious adverse reactions or potential health risks to some individuals.
- Hot stone massages may not be suitable for people who have impaired sensitivity to heat and cold, or those with inflammatory conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, due to the potential risk of aggravation of the underlying condition or burn injuries.5
- Massage may not be recommended while recovering from heart conditions.11
- Massage therapy is not recommended in people with metastatic cancer , especially around the area of the tumor.11
While prenatal massage administered by a trained professional is considered safe for pregnant women, the stimulation of certain pressure points and the use of specific essential oils may rarely induce labor.
It is important to consult a licensed and experienced massage therapist to provide treatment. A licensed therapist has special training in massage therapy and can recommend the type of massage needed for the specific type of back problem. Physical therapists and chiropractors may also have special training in massage therapy.
Herniated Discs: A Common Problem That Can Occur At Any Age
Herniated discs are common in any age group, but older adults are more likely to experience them. If you are experiencing lower back pain, consult a doctor to rule out any other possible causes. You should avoid forward bending or flexion activities as much as possible to avoid further damage to your discs, and forward bending is a common cause of herniated discs. Pain relievers, ice, and rest are among the medications that are required to heal.
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A Targeted Massage For Back Pain
Deep tissue massage involves a professional placing a controlled amount of pressure upon areas that are causing you discomfort. Through the use of strokes and finger movements, it is possible to reach muscles located deeper within the body. If you are suffering from chronic pain and other superficial techniques have not produced results in the past, a deep tissue massage for back pain could be the ideal solution.
The Takeaway On Massage For Low Back Pain
So, does massage help lower back pain? In many cases, yes but it can depend on the type of back pain youre dealing with. If your back pain is severe or persistent, a doctor can help you figure out if massage therapy is right for you.
Alongside massage, a combination of stretching, core-stabilizing exercises, and any recommended medical treatments can get you on track to feeling better.
Ready to get started with daily restorative massage in the comfort of your home? The MedMassager MMB05 is one advanced massage tool that can provide daily relaxation and therapeutic relief. Check it out or learn more about using it for low back pain here.
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Heat Therapy Methods To Try At Home
When it comes to heat therapy, there are many methods to try. First, you can give your muscles a long soak in an extra warm bath. This method doesnt require any gear and can be done at home for no cost, so its a great option to start with. Be sure to keep the water warm and spend at least 20-30 minutes allowing your muscles to soak.
Another free tool you can try is applying a hot water bottle or hot pad directly to the area of back pain. If you want to avoid the hassle of reheating and holding the object in place, heated pads, and heat wraps are a convenient alternative. Moji has a wrap designed specifically for the entire back that creates deep, penetrating relief to overworked muscles. It reduces pain, spasms, and stiffness, and can even be used to warm up before engaging in a workout or sports activity. The benefits continue for hours after removing the wrap.
A heated foam roller provides the added benefit of both massage and heat therapy and can be done for a fraction of the cost of a professional massage. Use the roller on your back and other large muscles, including the hamstrings, glutes, and quads for maximum relief.
What Are The Best Types Of Massage For Back Pain
While the previous section identified specific back massage techniques in terms of the type of pressure the practitioner provides, the goals of each technique, etc this section will outline more general types of massage, which incorporate the specific techniques outlined above.
These massage types can benefit back pain specifically, if they are thoughtfully incorporated into a back-pain sufferers treatment plan.
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Conquering Lower Back Pain With Massage Therapy
Suffering from stubborn lower back pain that isnt responding to medication? Massage therapy might be the answer.
Massage therapy involves gentle or firm palpation of the bodys soft tissues for medical purposes. Using various techniques and levels of pressure, your massage therapist will manipulate sore muscles, fascial adhesions, inflamed tendons/ligaments, and more.
The overarching goal of massage therapy is pain reduction. However, patients may be surprised to learn that massage therapy also boasts the following benefits:
- Enhances flexibility and range of motion in stiff joints
- Improves blood flow to an injured area, stimulating the healing process
- Encourages and supports a robust immune system response
- Relieves anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia
- Boosts endorphins, our bodys natural reserve of painkillers
- Offers a safe alternative to potentially habit-forming medications
- Releases muscle tension, spasms, and fascial adhesions, common culprits of lower back pain
- Stimulates the lymphatic system to assist in toxin removal
- Instills a sense of overall wellness and contentment
The verdict is in: Not only does massage therapy work, it works well.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 88% of participants reported experiencing significant pain reduction after undergoing a course of massage therapy. And, 70% agree: Massage therapy should be regarded as a legitimate form of interventional medicine.
Massage Is An Ancient Therapy
Massage therapy is far from being just a modern trend. It is one of the oldest therapies ever created. The history of massage therapy goes back to at least 3000 BCE in India, where it was used to heal injuries, alleviate pain and cure various illnesses along with diet, herbs, and other practices. Ancient Greek and Romans were also using massage for its therapeutic effects. In 1800, Swedish Dr.Per Henrik Ling created a special method to manage chronic pain. Over the years, this method was refined, as it is now known as the Swedish massage. It involves pressing, stroking, squeezing, and striking.
In the US, massage therapy had been used since early 1700. Women called rubbers were hired by doctors to treat musculoskeletal conditions with manual rubbing and friction. By the 1800s, these therapies became popular, being used along with hydrotherapy . There are many forms of massage and modalities used by modern massage therapists.
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What Is The Best Way To Massage Your Lower Back
Contents
Which massage is best for back pain? 5 massage techniques that relieve back pain See the article : Can Deep Tissue Massage Cause Nausea?.
- Swedish massage. The Swedish massage is a simple, no-frills massage that involves long strokes and some tapping.
- deep tissue massage
- Hot stone or Himalayan salt stone massage.
- Trigger Point Therapy.
- Prenatal massage.
