Thursday, June 20, 2013


Massage Therapy for Your Back
Pampering yourself at a spa is considered more and more these days a 
necessity. For those who have issues with back pain, a good massage may 
be just what the doctor ordered. Massage is an alternative therapy that can 
bring relief for many who suffer from a pain in the back.
There are different types of massage therapy but the basic tenet is the 
same. Through massage, pressure is applied to the body in various ways 
(knuckles, palms, chops, fingers) and through different media (oils, stones, 
cups, balls). The goal is manipulation of the soft tissues of the back to 
promote better health and pain relief.
The ancient practice of massage therapy goes back thousands of years. In 
India and the Orient, the idea is to release the energy that is trapped in 
parts of the body through some sort of injury or stress so the body is free to 
heal itself. This energy is referred to as “Chi”.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
When you are suffering with chronic pain, massage therapy can be an 
alternative to surgery. Doctors usually consider surgery a last resort, but 
many fortunate people avoid surgery all together with the use of massage 
therapy. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy:
•  Reduce stress
•  Increase flexibility
•  Reduce blood pressure
•  Alleviate many types of back pain
•  Increase range of motion
•  Reduce cramps and spasms
•  Improved blood circulation in muscles
•  Choosing your Massage Therapy Type
There are many different types of massage therapy. Choosing the right one 
will take a bit of experimenting, but any reputable massage professional will 
walk you through the proper method for your particular back pain.
Swedish massage – Involves long strokes with the hands. Ideal for 
increasing blood flow to the muscles, increasing circulation, reducing toxins 
in the muscles and increasing flexibility.

Hot Stone massage – This therapy uses heat to relax the muscles and 
balance the energy centers of the body. Stones are used on the back and 
thighs and massage is carried out with them using light pressure. 
Deep tissue massage – Be warned. This type of massage may leave you 
sore after the first time. However, it may be no worse than what you are 
already experiencing. Massage is conducted against the muscle grain to get 
deep into the tissues. Make sure you talk to your massage professional 
about your pain tolerance before beginning and make it clear that you have 
the ultimate say in whether or not the massage feels alright.
Thai massage – This massage is designed to lengthen and strengthen the 
body. It improves range of motion, flexibility and improves posture. Poor 
posture is one of the causes of back pain.
Massage therapy can be of great benefit to your entire body, especially your 
back. Choose a licensed massage professional who is well-versed in the type 
of massage that you choose to alleviate your back pain. Have a good 
conversation before you begin about what you can expect from the 
massage, then lay back and enjoy!
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