Remedial Massage for Lower Back Pain
- MPR Health
- May 22, 2023
Are you one of the many people who suffer from lower back pain? Have you tried various remedies and treatments, but nothing seems to work? If so, consider remedial massage a viable option to help alleviate your discomfort.
This article will explore the benefits of remedial massage for lower back pain. We will also provide tips on finding a qualified remedial massage therapist and answer common questions about the therapy.
Table of Contents
What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is a massage therapy that aims to treat a specific condition or injury. It involves soft tissue manipulation, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, to help improve circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and increase the range of motion.
Unlike a relaxation massage, which is typically done to help you unwind and relieve stress, remedial massage addresses a particular problem area or issue.
How Does Remedial Massage Work
During a remedial massage, the therapist will first assess your condition and ask about your medical history, any injuries or surgeries you may have had, and any medications you are taking. They will then use different techniques to address your specific needs.
These techniques help release muscle tension and knots, improve blood flow and oxygenation, and reduce inflammation and pain. The therapist may also use heat therapy, stretching, and exercise recommendations to help speed up healing.
Benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Remedial massage therapy can provide a range of benefits for those suffering from lower back pain, including:
- Pain Relief: Remedial massage therapy can help alleviate lower back pain by reducing muscle tension and tightness. By applying pressure to specific areas, the massage therapist can release knots and tightness in the muscles, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Improved Range of Motion: Tight muscles and trigger points can limit the range of motion and cause stiffness in the lower back. By releasing tension and promoting healing, remedial massage help increases your flexibility and range of motion.
- Releasing Trigger Points: Trigger points are tight, knotted muscle areas sensitive to pressure. They can cause pain in the area where they are located and in other areas of the body. Remedial massage can help release these trigger points, reducing pain and discomfort.
- Reducing Muscle Tension: One of the primary causes of lower back pain is muscle tension. Tight, knotted muscles can pressure the surrounding nerves and tissues, leading to pain and discomfort. Remedial massage can help release this tension, allowing the muscles to relax and reducing the pressure on the affected area.
- Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, and remedial massage therapy can help reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow can help flush out toxins and promote healing.
- Stress Reduction: Chronic pain can cause stress and anxiety, exacerbating lower back pain. Remedial massage therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate lower back pain.
- Promoting Relaxation: Finally, remedial massage can be a great way to relax your body and reduce stress levels. When we are stressed, our muscles tend to tense up, which can worsen lower back pain. By helping you relax and unwind, remedial massage can help reduce this tension and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Research supports the benefits of remedial massage therapy for lower back pain. A systematic review published by National Center for Biotechnology Information found that massage therapy can effectively relieve low-back pain and improve function. This further emphasises the importance of considering remedial massage as a viable treatment option for lower back pain patients.
Techniques Used by Remedial Massage Therapists
There are several techniques that remedial massage therapists use to address lower back pain effectively. Here are some of the most common techniques used by therapists:
- Deep Tissue Massage: This technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, aiming to release chronic muscle tension. The therapist can break down adhesions and knots by applying slow, firm strokes and deep pressure, easing pain and restoring normal movement.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger points are tight, knotted areas within the muscle that can cause pain in the local area and other body parts. During trigger point therapy, the therapist applies concentrated pressure to these points, releasing tension and alleviating pain.
- Myofascial Release: The fascia is a continuous layer of connective tissue surrounding the muscles. When this tissue becomes tight or restricted, it can cause pain and limit movement. Myofascial release involves the therapist applying gentle, sustained pressure to the fascia, allowing it to release and restore flexibility.
- Swedish Massage: Often used alongside other remedial massage techniques, Swedish massage promotes relaxation and increases blood flow.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): MET is a form of active stretching that involves the patient actively contracting specific muscles while the therapist provides resistance. This technique can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and increase the range of motion.
- Positional Release: This technique involves placing the patient’s body in a position that reduces the tension in the affected muscle. The therapist holds the position briefly before gently returning the body to a neutral position, allowing the muscle to relax and recover.
- Joint Mobilisation: Focusing on the joints, this technique aims to increase their range of motion. The therapist gently moves the joints through their full range of motion, helping to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: In addition to hands-on techniques, remedial massage therapists may recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve flexibility, balance muscle imbalances, and prevent future injury.
By exploring these various techniques, you’ll better understand how remedial massage therapists address the root cause of lower back pain and tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Working with a qualified and experienced therapist who can identify the most effective techniques for your unique situation and provide a comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate pain and improve overall well-being is essential.
What to Expect During a Remedial Massage Session
During a remedial massage session, the therapist will typically ask you to lie on a massage table or sit in a chair. They will then apply pressure to specific points in your back and other affected areas to help release tension and knots.
The pressure applied during a remedial massage can range from gentle to firm, depending on your needs and comfort level. You may feel discomfort or soreness during the massage, but this should subside within a few days.
After the massage, the therapist may recommend exercises or stretches to help maintain your progress and prevent further injury.
Finding a Qualified Remedial Massage Therapist
Finding someone qualified and experienced in treating lower back pain is essential when looking for a remedial massage therapist. Look for a licensed or certified therapist with experience working with patients with similar conditions.
You can also ask for recommendations from your doctor, osteopath, or physiotherapist. You may also check online reviews and ratings from other patients who have received remedial massage for lower back pain.
At MPR Health, we understand the importance of working with skilled and qualified massage therapists. That’s why we take great pride in our team of professionals who provide remedial massage for lower back pain. When you choose MPR Health, you can rest assured that our highly trained therapists have extensive experience working with patients like you.
Before booking an appointment, feel free to ask the therapist about their experience and training in remedial massage. At MPR Health, we encourage open communication and are more than happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
With MPR Health, you can trust that our therapists will provide the highest quality care to help you alleviate lower back pain and improve your overall well-being.
Conclusion
Remedial massage is a safe and effective treatment option for lower back pain. Working with a qualified and experienced therapist can reduce pain and discomfort, improve flexibility and range of motion, and promote overall well-being.
Always communicate openly with your therapist, ask questions or voice any concerns, and follow any exercise or stretching recommendations to help maintain your progress and prevent future injury. With patience and the right approach, remedial massage can be valuable in managing and alleviating lower back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is remedial massage painful?
Remedial massage can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a lot of muscle tension or knots. However, the therapist will work with you to ensure you are comfortable throughout the session and adjust the pressure as needed.
How often should I have a remedial massage for lower back pain?
The frequency of remedial massage sessions will depend on your condition and individual needs. Your therapist may recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions and gradually decrease the frequency as your symptoms improve.
Can remedial massage be done at home?
While some self-massage techniques can be done at home, seeing a qualified remedial massage therapist for more complex issues, such as lower back pain, is generally best.
Are there any side effects of remedial massage?
Some people may experience soreness or discomfort after a remedial massage, but this should subside within a few days. In rare cases, people may experience bruising or more serious injuries, but these are very rare.
How long does it take for remedial massage to see results?
The time it takes for a remedial massage to work will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. Some people may experience immediate relief, while others may require several sessions before seeing significant improvement.
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