The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that back pain plagues 80 percent of people at one point during their lifetime. Back pain is a result of hurting muscles or ligaments in your back. Although massage therapy should not take the place of proper medical treatment, it can complement conventional therapies and offer significant pain relief.
Definition
Massage is performed by licensed massage therapists. They typically use their hands, but tools can also be used to knead, rub and stroke different muscles. The Mayo Clinic defines massage as a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating muscles, skin, tendons and ligaments. Therapeutic massage can range from light stroking to deep pressure.
Benefits
Massage therapy offers several benefits to back pain patients. According to Spine-Health, massage improves circulation, which aids in the recovery of muscles after physical activity. Massage relaxes muscles resulting in improved range of motion. Relaxation in turn helps with sleep, since insomnia can result from suffering pain.
In addition, massage increases endorphin levels. Rising endorphin levels is one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy. Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that are released by the body.
Types of Massage
There are many different types of massage that are beneficial in relieving back pain. Spine Universe identifies the following forms:
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Myofascial Release
Trigger Point/Myotherapy
Shiatsu
Reiki
Effectiveness
The "Journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians" states that therapeutic massage has been tested in several random controlled studies. Soft tissue manipulation and massage were more effective than a placebo in one study for the relief of back pain. It was concluded that massage is helpful in treating acute and sub acute back pain.
Considerations
Merck outlines some precautions to consider before participating in massage therapy. People who have infectious or contagious skin diseases, open wounds, burns, high fever or tumors should not receive a massage.
Bruising and bleeding can occur in people who have a low platelet count or bleeding disorder. Stress should not be placed on bones affected by osteoporosis or metastatic cancer. Back pain patients should consult their physician prior to engaging in massage therapy to discuss possible adverse reactions or contraindications.
