Massage Therapy - is this a Good Way for Treating Back Pain?

Many people are now finding a hands on approach to treating back pain can be a positive move. They are now finding that massage therapy can help to reverse the vicious cycle that many back pain sufferers are in constantly in and which is certainly part of suffering from chronic back pain.

Both chiropractic and massage therapy can provide individuals who suffer from either mild or chronic back pain with the following benefits.

Firstly they will both blood circulation and blood pressure will improve.

Next there will be improvement to the muscles tone and this form of therapy is usually helpful in preventing muscular atrophy (caused by illness or inactivity).

It will also help with system detoxification through the lymphatic system.

Many patients report that they have much more joint flexibility than they had previously, and finally by reducing stress it provides the patient with a greater sense of well being.

There are many forms of massage style available and which can be used in helping with the relieve of back, however, each style depends on the individual persons needs and preferences.

The first method we will look at is called Swedish Massage. In this type of massage the therapist will use long flowing strokes and kneading movements which will help to relieve tension/stress from the muscles of the patients body. It also helps to improve circulation and lessen the back pain being felt by help to loosen and relax the superficial layers of muscle in the body.

The next method we will look at is called Sports Massage. With this method the therapist will use slow, hard and deep strokes and use sustained finger pressure which works deeply in to the contracted muscles and tendons. By using this technique the body is kept flexible and many people find it not only increases performance by also assists in the rehabilitation from any injury they have incurred as well as assisting with the healing process.

Then there is the Japanese method called Shiatsu (finger pressure). This is where fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows and knees are all used by the therapist to apply pressure to various points along the acupuncture meridians. These points are believed to be the bodys energy pathways and by using this method they help to relieve back pain and also encourage the blood and lymphatic flow to the body to improve.

Finally, we have Craniosacral Therapy. This involves the craniosacral system, the part of the body which extends from the top of the skull to the bottom of the spine. What the therapist does is uses touch to restore the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid. Many people find this form of therapy works effectively in treating such conditions as headaches, ear and eye problems and also for the treatment of back pain, including whiplash.

However, you may find that not all these techniques are suitable for what ails you and please be sure to know exactly what style of massage and what philosophy your therapist follows before you begin your treatment. If you find that the form of therapy is not helping to relieve the pain you are feeling, it may be wise to look at another form of massage therapy.

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What is Massage Therapy?

Any method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft parts of the body with the hands or with aid of any mechanical electrical apparatus or appliances with or without rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments or other similar preparations used in this practice, under such circumstances that it is reasonably expected that the person to whom treatment is provided ...
Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.
The manipulation of skin, muscle, and joints (usually by hand) to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation, and eliminate wastes. Over 80 types of massage are in use today. Various forms include: acupressure, athletic, polarity, reflexology, rolfing, shiatsu, sports, Swedish, traeger, and watsu.