Can Massage Therapy Alleviate Your Back Ache?

Summary:

This article throws light on the discussion whether massage therapy can heal the back ache.

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With the positive effects of massage therapy, people are embracing this form of healing
more readily than its allopathic counterpart. Being non-invasive form of treatment, certain
massages have proved to help patients attain psychological equilibrium over the chronic back
pain. During the therapy sessions, endorphins “natural feel good” chemicals are produced
which help people deal effectively with back problems. Hence, massage may be an ideal
treatment, if other forms of medication have failed or are less effective.

Research indicates, massage offers potential health advantages to people suffering from
backache. Subsequently, it is becoming a more accepted form of treatment and is held at par
with recognised medical treatments for backaches.

Massage therapy increase the circulation and blood flow to the muscles and tissues of the
back. It aids in the healing of sore muscle resulting from injury to soft muscle tissues and
physical activity.

The therapy reduces muscle tension and improves flexibility, reduces pain and improves
sleep. Further, the level of mood enhancer endorphin increases tremendously, and contributes
towards alleviating anxiety and depression. Subsequently, it leads to reduction in pain and
speeds up recovery.

A highly effective therapy is the deep tissue massage which breaks the stiffness of the
muscles. Although the first few sessions may be very painful, eventually it leads to complete
healing and getting rid of the back ache.

The therapy involves several back stretching exercises that can be done before hitting off to
bed along with the massage at the therapists office.

How does it work? It is a simple form of ancient massage that involves the process of
pressing and kneading on the specific tendons, soft tissue-muscles and ligaments directly
beneath the skin.

The massage further improves the blood circulation, lymphatic system and breathing. Since
the lymphatic system runs analogous to the circulatory system, the elimination of waste is
swifter, and facilitates healing. Combined with an occasional soft massage it helps relax
and cools down the body and mind more. Often people would go into a deep slumber during
this massage session.

However, several therapy sessions may be required, depending on the individual
requirements. The benefits of improved and enhanced circulation, breathing and relaxed
muscles will prevent torn ligaments and sprains, especially if you are involved in heavy
physical work or you are an athlete.

Medical experts advise to bend knees and then lift off objects from the floor rather bending
the spine and straining it. Further, the distance of the objects should be adequate from your
sitting or standing positions to avoid damage to your lower torso. Never lift objects that are
too heavy for you, trying to lift them will only weaken your back and increase the chances of
muscle and ligament strains.

Massage therapy helps to relieve fatigue, another cause of strained muscles in the body that
requires extra energy to operate. Since massage therapy relaxes the muscles of the complete
body, thus the body does not have to exert extra force and the energy is directed towards
other useful bodily functions.

If the massage is performed with the assistance of herbal massage oils it penetrates deep into
the skin reaching the ligaments, joints and muscles, and lubricating them. The aromatherapy
oils help reduce friction between the soft tissues of the body and expel the body toxins.
Further, it has a calming effect on the mind and soul of the patient, thus improving the overall
health of the individual. Hence, never hesitate to request your therapist a massage with
scented and herbal oils.

Today, several healthcare providers encourage their patients to undergo the massage therapy
sessions in conjunction with medical treatments, since the studies indicate the immense
benefits that massage brings to the table. Numerous back problems are significantly benefited
from the therapy and these include:

Muscle strain in the lower or upper back due to sudden fall or lifting heavy objects.

Arthritis of the spine (Osteoarthritis) damages the cartilages of the spine, leading to tender
and progressive joint deterioration, which creates friction between the bones and hence
excruciating pain.

Fibromyalgia characterized by stiff muscles, fatigue and pain. The patient feels both specific
and widespread pain.

Though massage is a relatively safe therapy, yet it is best to consult your expert if you have
recently undergone a recent surgery, osteoporosis, unhealed wound, varicose veins and
infectious skin disease.

2011? Dr. Brendal Norris, Chiropracticbackpainrelief.org, Read other articles
about back pain and back pain relief at http://chiropracticbackpainrelief.org
for more answers to your questions about back pain, its causes, and cures.This article is from http://chiropracticbackpainrelief.org/does-massage-therapy-help-against-back-pain