Massage Therapy for Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem that most of us deal with in daily life. Whether it is from work, exercise, carrying your kids, or a past injury, it is estimated that 80% of adults will have an episode of back pain in their lifetime. Unfortunately, there are few treatments that reliably relieve it. Options often include over-the-counter medications, injections, and, in extreme cases, surgeries. An excellent alternative treatment can be found in massage therapy.
A 2011 study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that almost 40% of participants with moderate to severe back pain reported their pain was nearly gone after 10 weeks of massage therapy. On average, participants experienced increased daily mobility and decreased pain. The study compared Swedish massage, trigger point massage, and usual care as a baseline. While both massage forms produced similar results, there are many different therapies to choose from based on your pain type and location.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Common causes include overused muscles due to strains, improper posture, exercise, or injuries. These can cause the fascia of the body to tighten or become “sticky.” Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds everything in your body and holds it in place. Tight or sticky fascia can limit mobility and cause muscles to tighten. Without release, this often leads to back pain.
Benefits of Massage Techniques for Back Pain
Massage therapy stimulates circulation, improving the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to muscles. This helps reduce inflammation and stiffness associated with back pain and supports recovery of healing muscles, which can reduce pain.
The relaxation of the massage experience also promotes the release of serotonin and endorphins. This can decrease the perception of pain and provide mental health benefits as you focus on healing and taking a break from a busy day.
Find the Right Form of Massage to Treat Your Back Pain
Choosing the right massage can help target problem areas and address pain at its source. Different techniques are used to manage and reduce back pain, and you can choose those that best fit your lifestyle and needs.
Swedish Massage for Back Pain
Relaxation massage uses smooth, long strokes to ease muscle tension and increase blood flow in the soft tissues of the back. Light to medium pressure helps loosen back muscles and quiet the mind.
Deep Tissue Massage for Back Pain
Medium to strong pressure in deep tissue massage targets deeper layers of muscle. This technique breaks up knots and relieves tension for longer-lasting relief. It reaches connective tissue that can contribute to chronic pain from tight muscles and fascia.
Trigger Point Massage for Back Pain
Trigger point massage focuses on tense spots in muscles and tissue called “trigger points.” Also referred to as muscle knots, these areas can cause pain to radiate from the spot or trigger pain elsewhere in the body. Trigger points can form when muscles tense from overexertion and do not relax on their own. Massage therapists locate these areas and use touch and finger pressure to release them.
Hot Stone Massage for Back Pain
Hot stone massage uses heated stones placed on your back to target specific zones and soothe aches and pains. The heat and weight of the stones soften muscles and relieve tension. Your therapist may also use the stones during gentle to firm massage to work deeper into the muscles. The combination of massage and heat increases circulation and promotes healing of tension and injuries.
Sports Massage for Back Pain
Sports massage therapy combines massage, resistance, and stretching to address soreness and tension from exercise and sports injuries. Techniques are tailored to your athletic goals. Sports massage can increase flexibility and range of motion where pain has been limiting you. Whether you are a serious athlete or simply active, it is a strong addition to help with stubborn back pain.
Myofascial Release for Back Pain
Myofascial release therapy alleviates stiffness and pain caused by connective tissues surrounding the muscles. While fascia links together all muscles and organs, myofascial tissue specifically connects muscles. Therapists use sustained, light pressure to find tight spots along the back muscles, then release and repeat until the tension eases. This can improve mobility and flexibility and reduce pain.
Book Your Massage for Back Pain in St. Albert Today
Back pain is a common complaint that can be difficult to target and treat. Massage therapy is a proven option to alleviate, and sometimes eliminate, stubborn tension and aches. If these therapies sound helpful, contact us to decide on the best treatment for your needs.
The number of sessions required varies by person, pain type, and location. Your massage therapist will help identify the best course of care to improve your health and wellbeing and reduce back pain. Book an appointment today with the Urban Massage & Wellness team in St. Albert.
