Imagine not being able to tie your shoe, play with your kids or go to work for days at a time. Back pain is no joke; it interferes with every part of your life. When this type of pain strikes, instead of reaching for the nearest bottle of pain medicine, try a back massage to get relief from back pain.
How a Back Massage Can Help Relieve Back Pain
A back massage improves circulation, increases oxygen flow, releases toxins, and loosens knotted muscles. Massage also eases painful spasms, releases natural pain killers in the body, increases range of motion, shortens recovery time and stimulates weak muscles.
Common Types of Massages Used to Relieve Back Pain
There are several types of massages used to relieve back pain. The most common are shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue. During a Swedish back massage, the client lies on a table fully or partially unclothed while the masseuse uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles in the body.
Swedish massage techniques can include gliding strokes, tapping, circular pressure, vibration and shaking motions. During a Swedish back massage, scented oils are used to help clients relax, and to reduce friction on the skin.
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese method of massage used to treat a number of conditions, including back pain. This type of massage is similar to acupressure because it involves manipulating pressure points to relieve pain.
During a shiatsu massage, the client lies flat on the floor, or on a futon or beaded mat. The masseuse will then apply localized pressure to the client’s body with his fingers, knuckles, feet, elbows and knees. Shiatsu massage also involves deep breathing, and stretching and rotating the joints in the body. People who are not used to getting a shiatsu massage may find it intense and slightly uncomfortable the first few times.
Deep tissue massage is designed to reach deep in the connective tissues to relieve chronic muscle tension. Deep tissue massage for back pain uses similar techniques as a Swedish massage, except the pressure is more focused and more intense. This type of massage is commonly used on athletes to help them maintain range of motion and recover from muscle injuries.
A deep tissue massage is not painful, but it is more uncomfortable than a Swedish and shiatsu massage because it uses more pressure. Pregnant women and people with blood clots, circulation problems and cancer should talk to a doctor before getting any type of massage for back pain relief.
With back massage methods like shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue, you can get safe, natural relief from back pain so you can get your life back on track.