What massage is best for back pain?

Back pain is such a nightmare! Only those with chronic back pain know-how back pain can disrupt normal day to day functioning, inhibiting your ability to perform even basic tasks. It can affect your productivity at work, prevent you from performing chores, make looking after others difficult and even prevent you from performing your favorite physical activities, be it going to the gym or jogging.

Did you know that backaches are the leading cause of disability around the world, with more than 80 percent of adults suffering back pain? Medications can give you relief, but if you are looking for a better alternative, massage therapy could be the solution.

Causes for back pain

There could be many reasons why you suffer from back pain. Sitting down for long hours, lack of exercise, lifting too many weights, and even bad posture can give you pain in your back area. All that sitting around puts too much compression on the lower spine region which eventually leads to back pain. 

For some fortunate people, the pain may be temporary and they can get back to their routine in a matter of weeks. For a few others, it may be chronic, and it may take months and even years to overcome back pain. A sudden and huge increase in weight, age, and injury are some other reasons for the occurrence of back pain.

When massage therapy is thrown in the mix, it can give you much-needed relief from back pain and get you up on your feet quickly. So, you may be wondering what is the best massage therapy for back pain and how it can help. Keep reading to find out!

What massage is effective for back pain?

If you are suffering from lower back pain, a Swedish Massage or Trigger point massage can be of great help and provide relief for more than 6 months. 

Swedish Massage for Lower Back Pain

When you think of massage therapy, Swedish massage may be the first choice that comes to your mind. This massage technique focuses on complete relaxation and is used to provide relief from cramped muscles. It is great for stress relief and ideal for people looking for relief from muscle cramping.

In Swedish massage, your therapist will use long, smooth and gentle strokes to ease tension from sore and stiff muscles. You will definitely feel rested and get some much-needed relief for your sore back after a Swedish massage!

Trigger Point Massage for lower and upper back pain

The trigger point is a massage technique that focuses on a specific trigger point in a muscle that could cause pain in another part of the body and alleviate it. If you have chronic back pain or tension, or even migraines because of muscle tension, then this type of massage works best.

Repeated pressure is added to the trigger point and then deep pressure is applied over and over again till the trigger point or tight spots within the muscles are completely released. 

Deep Tissue Massage for upper back pain or back pain caused due to injury

In Deep Tissue massage, your therapist will work each sore muscle deeply. Not only are deep layers of the muscles targeted, but also the connective tissues. This massage can be your go-to option if you are plagued by chronically tight and stiff muscles, painful muscles, sports injury, frequent strain or postural issues. 

Your massage therapist will go as far as to reach the muscles to the very bone if possible to release scar tissue and relax the stuff knots causing chronic neck and upper back pain. 

If you are suffering from pain in the neck, shoulders and back, and feel the muscles in those areas need some loosening, then a Deep Tissue massage can come to your aid perfectly. 

Shiatsu massage for lower back pain

Shiatsu is one super-effective massage technique for lower back pain. It is an ancient technique that means finger pressure. Your massage therapist will use their thumbs, fingers, and palms and apply pressure in varying degrees to different parts of the body in a rhythmic sequence. 

Pressure is applied along the energy channels in the body called meridians. The effects of this massage are long-lasting. The idea is to release the Qi or the body’s blocked energy and improve the flow of healing energy throughout the body.

Hot Stones Massage

Hot Stones massage is fantastic for back pain. Warm and smooth stones are placed on the parts of the body where you experience pain. This warmth percolates to deep layers of the muscles, loosens them up and removes tension.

Final Wrap

Not only is massage therapy helpful in dealing with the symptoms of back pain, but it is also safe. Rather than just a one-time affair, frequent follow-up visits at a licensed massage spa in the hands of a qualified massage therapist can work wonders for your back pain. Good luck!

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