Massage therapy relieves back pain by undoing painful
muscle spasms, increasing blood flow to the muscles to nourish
cells and speed tissue repair, increasing circulation
of lymphatic system to flush out waste products that have built
up in tissues and reduce inflammation, softening and breaking up
scar tissue and adhesions (many old back injuries leave scar tissue
that can contract and cause back pain).
Massage therapy also induces relaxation, lowers blood pressure
levels, lowers stress hormone levels, and reduces anxiety and depression
and pain perception. This makes massage therapy a good choice of
treatment for chronic back pain, breaking
the vicious cycle of pain producing tension and tension producing
or intensifying pain.
There are different methods of massage therapy. Deep tissue massage
therapy uses great pressure while kneading and manipulating the
deeper muscles and tendons. It is good for treating back pain
caused by muscle spasms or chronic muscular tension.
The pain relief provided by massage therapy from loosening
of muscles is augmented by the benefits of contact with the skin,
which seems to have a great influence on mood and pain perception.
Massage therapy isn’t good for every condition that causes
back pain, but a professional massage therapist is trained to
recognize whether massage therapy is or isn’t appropriate.
Get a proper diagnosis from
a qualified physician before getting any type of treatment for
back pain.
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