By: Jean Johnson for Back1Navigating life as humans do – fully upright – our spines take more stress than species that travel low on four legs. While for many this leads to acute and chronic lower back pain, the good news is that massage is gaining favor in the medical community.
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Deciding to Get a Massage
The American Massage Therapy Association Web site has a directory of trained and licensed massage therapy professionals at www.amtamassage.org
When choosing a massage therapist, look for someone who will listen to you. Just as in the physician-patient relationship, communication between the practitioner and patient promotes a satisfying outcome.
According to the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine, massage is also useful for the following conditions:
Autism
Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bulimia
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
HIV
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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This news wouldn’t be terribly surprising to members of the Navajo Nation in the Southwest. The healing and celebratory ceremonies traditional to that tribe have included hands-on, psychological components for centuries. A young girl having her first menses, for example, has her back massaged by her aunties to ensure continued strong growth. After such attention, no wonder the girl is able to grind corn for the large round of pit-roasted bread she will share with family and friends when they come to gather after she races out over the mesa with her cousins at first light. But, back to answer the question of whether massage can help back problems, medical director at Spine-health.com Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., M.D. writes: “For most of us, the answer is probably ‘yes.’ In addition to physical benefits, certain types of massage have been shown to help psychologically via relaxation and increased production of ‘feel good’ chemicals that the body naturally produces (endorphins) – helpful for people with both acute back problems and chronic back pain.”
Ullrich is not alone in his belief with the Navajos that massage is a useful tool for patients with back pain. According to the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine, “studies have found that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other treatments (including acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition with education via books and videos) and, in many cases, costs less than other treatments for this common health problem.”
Healthcare Providers Getting on Board
“Many healthcare providers say they will encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy in addition to medical treatment,” Ullrich added. “If appropriate, you may want to ask your physician for a referral to a massage therapy professional in your area.”
More, massage has enjoyed high regard in Chinese medicine for 4,000 years, and cultures around the world have used massage as a palliative treatment for centuries. Recently, the West is catching on and Americans trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine today hold the hands-on therapy of massage in esteem.
How Massage Helps Back Pain
In its essence, massage is the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well-being.
Muscle strain is often at the root of acute back pain since strain causes inflammation around the muscles which then can lead to spasm and severe pain. Massage can help sooth this irritation and improve compromised range of motion.
In cases of osteoarthritis, where cartilage between the aligning facets of the spine breaks down and inflammation sets in, therapeutic massage helps reduce pain by improving circulation to the area and reducing stress.
Also, generally when a masseuse works the body’s soft tissue, electrical signals are generated which help heal damaged muscle, clear waste products and boost the activity of the immune system.
Types of Massage
Massage can be done with gentle stroking, as found in the popular Swedish form where flowing strokes are used to knead the body into a relaxed state of calmness.
Shiatsu massage uses pressure points on the body’s meridians to relieve pain and enhance the flow of energy. This form of massage is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine that many naturopathic physicians are finding so useful in treating patients. In some ways – specifically via the use of pressure or trigger points – Shiatsu massage and neuromuscular therapy are similar.
“For specific pain points, such as lower back muscle strain” Ullrich added, “the American Academy of Pain Management recognizes neuromuscular therapy – also called trigger point myotherapy – as an effective treatment.”
In this type of massage, therapists “apply alternating levels of concentrated pressure (for 10 to 30 seconds) on the areas of muscle spasm. The patient will feel some pain or discomfort from the pressure, but the muscle spasm should be lessened after the massage.” Neuromuscular therapy typically uses a series of four sessions over a period of six weeks to help patients suffering from back spasms.
Risks and Contraindications
Although massage is relatively safe, Ullrich advises patients to check with their physician before getting treatment. Generally, people should not experience pain or other negative side effects from massage.
That said, women who are pregnant should be cautious and make sure the practitioner has been trained to perform massage on females who are carrying. Diabetics also need to monitor their blood sugar carefully since levels can drop following a massage session.
Others who should avoid massage all together are those with congestive heart failure, kidney failure, blood clots in the legs, bleeding disorders and contagious skin conditions. Those with cancer, as well, should check with their physician first since massage can damage tissue that is fragile from chemotherapy or radiation. Finally, people with rheumatoid arthritis, goiter, and eczema should not receive massage during flare-ups.
What to Expect at Your Massage Appointment
Massages usually last from 30 to 90 minutes. Initially there will be time to visit with the practitioner, explain any symptoms that are troubling and express any wishes as far as the type of massage or particular areas people want treated. Then, the therapist leaves the room while you undress and lay down on the massage table, using a sheet as a drape.
The drape will be left in place during the session, with the therapist exposing only the part of the body they are working on at the time. Massage oil or lotion is generally used to reduce friction between the therapist’s hands and your skin. And, the room is kept warm, free of distractions, and often infused with scent and soothing music…
If you will excuse us now, we here a Back1.com have caught the spirit and are off for a massage. We hope yours is as heavenly as we expect ours to be.
