Back massage is defined as "a hands-on treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles and soft tissues to improve health and well-being" by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Massage can influence the activities of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems, and improve symptoms from chronic or acute illnesses, as well as back pain.
History
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, healing massage dates back 4000 years in Chinese, Japanese, Greek and Roman medical literature. A more contemporary form, the Swedish massage, was introduced to the United States in the 1850s. By the end of the 19th century, the nation's first massage therapy clinic opened its doors. During the 1970s, both the general public and the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine, including massage therapy. Today, more than 80 million massage therapy appointments are made each year.
Types
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that there are nearly one hundred different massage therapy techniques. The most common types of back massage in the United States include aromatherapy massage, chair massage, myofascial release, polarity therapy, Rolfing, shiatsu and Swedish massage. Other forms encompass trigger-point therapy in which pressure is applied to tender areas of damaged muscles, and integrative touch, a gentler form used for hospital patients.
Benefits
The back massage provides a wide range of emotional and physical benefits. It can either stimulate or calm, depending on technique and desired results. Some benefits include muscle healing, circulation stimulation, toxin clearing via the lymphatic system and boosting the activity of the immune system. Massage helps to decrease tension by decreasing levels of stress hormones and by realigning the body to conserve energy. Back massage benefits those with back pain by alleviating muscle spasms and releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
Expert Insight
Clinical research reveals that back massage is beneficial in treating back pain. Guidelines issued in 2007 by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians recommend that physicians consider utilizing massage when patients with chronic lower-back pain do not respond to conventional treatment. A study in the "International Journal of Neuroscience" compared massage therapy with muscle relaxation, and found that the massage therapy group reported less pain, depression and anxiety. The "Canadian Medical Journal" also cites a study that proves benefits from massage for lower-back pain.
Potential Risks
Back massage is generally safe; any pain or rare side effects are usually caused by extremely vigorous techniques. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that people with heart failure, kidney failure, bleeding disorders, osteoporosis, fever and contagious skin diseases should avoid massage. Patients with cancer should be cautious with massage, as skin and tissues are fragile after chemotherapy or radiation. Pregnant women and diabetics are other fragile populations for massage, as their body chemistries, circulation and blood chemistries are affected.
References
- Canadian Medical Association Journal: "Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Subacute Low Back Pain"
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Massage Therapy: An Introduction
- Personal Fitness Systems: Clinical Massage Research
- American Massage Therapy Association: Massage and Serious Health Conditions
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Massage
