The Best Massage for Chronic Back Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Deep tissue massage is a great option for people with chronic pain due to the buildup of scar tissue. It is also beneficial for those with stiff, painful areas in the neck, shoulders, and back. After the massage, some soreness may be experienced for a few days, but a warm bath with Epsom salts can help alleviate this. Trigger point therapy is an excellent type of massage for upper back pain, which is often caused by falling on a desk or laptop and is often accompanied by neck and shoulder pain.

This type of massage targets knots in the area around and between the shoulder blades, crossing the fibers that cause pain and tension. Swedish massage is a simple, no-frills massage that involves long movements and a few strokes. It is mainly used to relieve tension in the body, which is often responsible for low back pain. As it involves a moderate level of pressure, it is often recommended for those receiving massage therapy for the first time.

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same techniques as Swedish massage, but with a much deeper level of pressure. It is mainly recommended for those suffering from severe or chronic back pain, as it penetrates deep into the muscles. Hot stone massage is best for those who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. Self-massage can be used to relieve back pain or one can find a friend, family member, or professional to soothe their soft tissues.

According to one study, in just one hour of massage, if continued for 10 weeks or more, back pain may improve enough to be more active, reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications, need less rest time and spend fewer days in bed resting your back. However, if one has had pain in their calves or other parts of their leg, they should see a doctor before receiving a massage. When exploring the best massage for low back pain, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider who can offer a treatment plan for long-term relief along with massage therapy. Swedish massage is an excellent option for relieving stress and for people who experience whole body pain caused by muscle cramps.

A chair massage is best for those who want a quick massage that focuses on the neck, shoulders and back. Massage can help with both types of back pain but may offer more relief to people with acute back pain. Your licensed massage therapist can place hot stones along your back and also use them as an extension of their hands. Pain relievers can be used in conjunction with massage but should not be relied on and can cause problems when used for long periods of time.

However, many centers do not offer massages to women in their first trimester due to the risk of miscarriage during this period.

Mark Szymonik
Mark Szymonik

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