Massage therapy is recognized as a legitimate aid for easing back pain in healthcare. One study found that 88% of people that had received a massage found that it was an effective treatment for pain. Over 47 million people received a massage in 2018. The average person that did got four massages that year.
If you are suffering from pain in your back and have tried other treatment methods to alleviate it, the next thing you should do is get a massage. Massages help improve blood circulation to help sore muscles recover from physical activity, and they also relax muscles, which helps to release any knots or spasms in them.
Muscle spasms can be excruciating, and they are usually caused by a lack of blood flow to the problem area. If the muscle isn’t getting enough blood, it isn’t receiving sufficient oxygen. When there isn’t enough oxygen, lactic acid is produced. The buildup of lactic acid causes soreness after physical activity.
When the muscle becomes relaxed, it will release the lactic acid, allowing the muscle to receive enough oxygen and blood. This massage therapy will cause mild pain when it is done, but this is good pain. In addition, the pressure provided by the massage therapist will help alleviate the spasm.
If you feel too much pressure is being applied, let the massage therapist know. They may recommend a deep tissue massage to treat it. There should never be too much pain. Many patients describe the massage pressure as tremendous pain. After the massage therapy session, any soreness should go away in two days. The tight muscles should then feel much more relaxed and less painful.
What to Expect at a Massage Therapy Clinic
The massage therapist will use their hands and any specialized tools as necessary. The therapist will stroke, rub and knead all of the affected muscles to increase the blood flow and circulation throughout the entire body. As a result, nutrients and oxygen are provided to the muscles, while waste products accumulated in the muscles are eliminated.
Many different techniques may be used depending on the condition of your back. Muscles can be relaxed with light stroking in a single direction and pressure in the other. Deep tissue massages target muscle tension with slower strokes and direct friction and pressure. A myofascial release is used to release tension that has been stored in the fibrous tissue that supports muscles called the fascia. This type of therapy is often required following a muscle injury.
Myotherapy and trigger point massages involve the use of direct pressure that is aimed at trigger points to facilitate a release. The therapist also stretches the muscle at the same time.
When you have back pain, you’ll be experiencing a lot of stress. Another benefit of getting a massage is the release of endorphins, which will help lift your mood. When you’re dealing with severe back pain, you may be distracted from other pains in your body. Many people notice how much lighter they feel after a massage when a lot of stress has been lifted.
Consider Getting a Massage to Deal with Back Pain and Other Forms of Discomfort
Are you dealing with chronic back pain or other types of discomfort? One of the options you might want to consider is getting a massage. A massage can help with back pain along with many other acute and chronic health issues.
If you haven’t yet experienced a massage, it’s time to get one soon.