Will Deep Tissue Massage Help Back Pain?
Almost everyone will get back pain at some point in their lives. That doesn’t mean that you should expect it to just get better on its own. There are many ways to speed up the healing process, which raises the important question of will deep tissue massage help back pain?
Here we’ll answer that question while also looking closely at the causes of back pain, the benefits of deep tissue massage, and compare it against other forms of treatment. Read on to find out more!
Causes of Back Pain
Will deep tissue massage help back pain? Well, that depends on what is causing it. For example, if you have a ruptured disk, spinal fracture, or a muscle tear, then that injury would need to heal and can’t be cured instantly by a deep tissue massage.
There are other serious conditions, such as sciatica, arthritis, and scoliosis. While deep tissue massages won’t cure these issues, they can help to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with them.
Then there are other injuries, such as muscle strains, spasms, and tension. For these types of pains, a deep tissue massage can help to restore mobility and speed up recovery time. They are a great additional treatment option on their own or combined with other treatments, such as medication.
Will Deep Tissue Massage Help Back Pain
As we’ve seen the question Is Deep Tissue Massage Help Back Pain, the answer can depend on the cause of the pain, but the answer is usually yes. It can either help you recover from an injury, or help to alleviate the pain from a chronic condition.
There are several benefits to a deep tissue massage that can all be applied to back pain:
Increased circulation – The massage will improve circulation, which helps in aiding recovery time. It can also help to improve your cardiovascular health. This is especially true as a deep massage can also help to reduce your blood pressure.
Increased flexibility – Do you struggle with flexibility? This is often caused by tight and inactive muscles. This can not only cause issues with mobility, but it can also put a strain on the rest of your body too.
Reduced pain – Deep tissue massage is a great pain reliever. You’ll notice the benefits right away as those muscles loosen up and you get an increased blood flow through the area. Deep tissue massage works as a great anti-inflammatory.
Prevention of injury – Once you’ve recovered from back pain, it’s a good idea to routinely have massage appointments. They will help to keep your muscles and tendons supple to reduce the risk of future strains and tears.
Stress – While not specifically related to back pain, deep tissue massage is also known to be a great stress reliever. While it physically works away muscle tension, it can feel as though it’s getting rid of your mental tension too.
There is no miracle cure for back pain, but getting a deep tissue massage can be a great help for all of the reasons mentioned above. It’s important to set your expectations and listen to your doctor if you have a chronic or serious condition.
Many times, it’s best to have a deep tissue massage alongside other forms of treatment. These other treatments may be as simple as medications but may be as serious as surgery. It’s important not to self-diagnose yourself with any condition, especially if the pain is moderate to severe.
Deep Tissue Massage vs Other Massages
Some massages place their focus on relaxation, whereas others aim to heal. Deep tissue massage is the latter, as it aims to give you all the benefits that we looked at above. Some find them relaxing, but that isn’t the reason to have one.
Most people associate massage with gentle strokes and relaxation. Those types of massages do very little to alleviate pain and speed recovery. Swedish massage can provide some relief, but not as much as deep tissue massage.
Swedish massage utilizes long strokes that can relieve tension, but the pressure applied isn’t nearly the same. Other forms of massage won’t have much of an impact on back pain, so generally aren’t a suitable alternative.
The exception is a sports massage. It’s very similar to deep tissue massage, but with a focus on healing sports injuries and improving sports performance. They will both be a good idea for anyone dealing with back pain.
Who Should Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
Anyone can get a deep tissue massage, but it’s particularly good for specific groups of people:
Repetitive Strain – If you have a repetitive strain injury, then a deep massage can help to relieve a lot of that tension. It will be able to start restoring your mobility and return you to a full level of functionality.
Acute Injury – Acute injuries are ones that come on suddenly, such as straining your back from lifting a heavy object. A massage will increase blood flow in the area to speed up recovery. It can also prevent scar tissue from forming and loosen any tension.
Chronic Conditions – For those who have been struggling with an injury for a long time, get a deep tissue massage. Even with degenerative conditions, they can help to get some of your mobility back and reduce your day-to-day pain.
Previous Injuries – Do you have an old injury that is still causing you issues? If so, a massage can help to break down your scar tissue. It can get your muscles to become active again and performing how they should.
Final Thoughts
If you have back pain, then it’s a great idea to get a deep tissue massage. It’ll help to work away your tension and improve your comfort level. Added to that, it will help to stimulate blood flow to the area and speed up your recovery. As we’ve seen, there are even more benefits too!
Whether you have an old sports injury, a chronic condition, or just a mild strain, you’ll find a deep tissue massage to be a worthwhile experience. The next step is to find the best massage therapist near you and get an appointment booked.
