“about 80% of the UK population will suffer from back pain at some point in their life.”
According to webmd.com “For those who want to go the alternative route to treat their back pain, massage may be the best bet. A new study demonstrates that it is superior to both acupuncture and self-care for this frustrating and debilitating condition. Experts agree that often the best way to manage chronic back pain is to use several therapies at once, and therapeutic massage may be an important part of the package.” In another article published in 2011, they wrote: “Massage may be serious medicine, at least when it comes to treating persistent low back pain, a new study shows.”
What is deep tissue massage?
Healthline.com defines deep tissue massage as follows: “Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that’s mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues.”
verywellhealth.com defines it as “a type of massage therapy, deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It’s used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.”
Webmd.com explains that during a deep tissue massage “therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage may be therapeutic – relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.”
Can deep tissue massage help with back pain?
According to a 2017 study, which looked at the effect of deep tissue massage in 31 males with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis, the study found that deep tissue massage significantly reduced pain compared to therapeutic massage. (Source: medicalnewstoday.com).
In some cases, massage alone may not be enough depending on the type of back pain or sciatica. In this our massage therapists may refer you internally to one our experienced Chiropractors who will assess you more thoroughly. This may include nerve and muscle scans and x-rays if clinically required.
How a Deep Tissue back massage works
A back massage focuses on a range of muscles located around the spine, thoracic area, lumbar area and, glutes. Back pain is often caused by muscle tightness in the lower back and the glutes. The deep tissue manipulation stimulates the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid. As more oxygenated blood is passed around it distributes nutrients whilst removing toxins during the exchange.
This speeds up healing and the repair of muscles and ligaments. A back massage helps you relax, reduce tension and tightness, which in turn helps reduce pain.
According to the NHS, “Manual therapy is a technique where a physiotherapist uses their hands to manipulate, mobilise and massage the body tissues.
This can help:
- relieve pain and stiffness
- improve blood circulation
- help fluid drain more efficiently from parts of the body
- improve the movement of different parts of the body
- promote relaxation
Manual therapy can be used to treat specific problems, such as back pain, but may also be useful for a range of conditions that don’t affect the bones, joints or muscles.”
The Deep Tissue Massage Assessment Explained
The deep tissue massage assessment is effectively a Detailed Soft Tissue & Biomechanical Performance Assessment. It consists of a ten-step assessment that takes 30 minutes to complete and is designed to formulate a useful diagnosis. This in turn helps create safe and effective deep tissue treatments that deliver measurable results with each session. It includes:
1. Health History Review
2. Range of Movement Analysis
3. Muscle Tone Evaluation
4. Postural Analysis
5. Muscular Response
6. Joint Integrity
7. Blood Pressure
8. Oxygen Levels
9. 5-minute Muscle Release
10. Free Suggestions & Recommendations
Do deep tissue massages feel good?
Yes deep tissue massage stimulates the healing response and has positive psychological benefits. The deep tissue stimulation releases muscle tension, relaxing body and mind. Deep tissue stimulation helps the body release endorphins which are natural analgesics (pain medicine) and stress levels are reduced, whilst promoting the release of serotonin (regulates our mood) and oxytocin (love hormone). This powerful rebalancing of your hormones promotes physical and mental health and well-being.
You can learn more about deep tissue massage here.
For our latest deep tissue massage assessments check here.
Written by Healing Hands Chiropractic. Providing measurable results for our clients using advanced chiropractic and massage therapy.