Lower back pain is a common ailment that can be caused by various factors such as bad posture, lack of movement, sports injuries, and genetic disorders like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. Remedial massage is a complementary therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating lower back pain.
Remedial massage is a therapy that targets muscles, tendons, and bones. It aims to identify the problem, treat it, and manage your symptoms. Techniques used in remedial massage include effleurage (smooth stroking along a muscle), petrissage (strong stroking applied across a muscle), friction (deep, circular motions), kneading (squeezing a muscle), and hacking (lightly striking a muscle).
One of the most common causes of lower back pain Brisbane is muscle imbalances. Remedial massage can treat these imbalances in your hip, legs, and back muscles, which play a significant role in lower back pain. For instance, issues arise when the muscles at the backside or hips, like the gluteus maximus, cause the muscles in the front hips, the Psoas Major, to over-activate and go out of alignment.
Another notable cause of lower back pain is Myofascial trigger points. These triggers arise in muscles due to muscle overactivity or under-activity, sometimes even muscle imbalances. Remedial massage therapists are trained to assess and treat these trigger points using a variety of manual techniques, as well as addressing restrictions and shortening in the myofascia.
Health Benefits of Remedial Massage
Remedial massage may provide health benefits by increasing circulation (blood flow), increasing the mobility (movement) of your joints, stimulating your damaged tissues to help them repair, and relaxing your body. It can help relieve problems such as neck, shoulder or back pain, muscle cramps, and sports or other injuries.
The physiotherapist will try to release tensed, large muscles around your spine, glutes, hip flexors, and hamstrings, which ultimately improves your muscle tone, posture, flexibility, and reduces lower back pain. The long-term benefits include improved posture, improved sleeping patterns, muscle relaxation, improved blood circulation, and improved range of motion.
Many recent studies demonstrate the efficacy of Remedial Massage Therapy in the treatment of chronic and sub-acute Low Back Pain (LBP). In 2002, the Cochrane Collaboration published a review of massage with the objective of assessing the effects of massage therapy for non-specific LBP. The authors concluded that massage therapy appeared to be beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic non-specific LBP, especially when the treatment was combined with exercises and education, and delivered by a qualified Massage Therapist.
Remedial massage is a promising treatment for lower back pain. However, it should not replace care from your doctor. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
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