5 Massage Techniques for Low Back Pain

Upon the first sign of low back pain, it’s not uncommon to immediately turn to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen. You get immediate relief, can carry on with your day, and if you are lucky, the pain will not return. If and when the pain returns, it is important you figure out the cause and how best to treat the pain.

Similar to NSAIDs, many patients feel immediate relief when they seek massage therapy for low back pain. A licensed massage therapist will know the exact massage techniques to treat your low back pain so you can carry on with life. Below are 5 massage techniques commonly used to help patients with low back pain and the benefits associated with each.

1. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common massage therapy technique. This massage utilizes a variety of movements to relax the entire body, including long strokes, kneading, rolling, and circular movements. Swedish massage is widely known for increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, both of which help with low back pain.

2. Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points—more commonly known as knots—are painful spots found in muscles that are sensitive when pressure is applied. These points are very common, particularly around injuries or under-stretched muscles. There are trigger points running from mid-spine all the way to your thigh that can cause low back pain. Trigger point massage therapy aims to deactivate those trigger points by applying pressure and kneading the muscle. The pain relief is often immediate. A massage therapist can show you exactly where these trigger points are so you can do your own trigger point massages at home.

3. Myofascial Release

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. The myofascial release technique relieves pain and tightness in the fascia. This involves a massage therapist stretching the muscles and trigger points, sometimes holding that stretch for a couple minutes.

4. Hot-Stone Massage

During a hot-stone massage, the massage therapist places heated, smooth, flat stones on key points of the body. These stones help the body relax, provide pain relief and release muscle tension.

5. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is very similar to Swedish massage but with stronger pressure from the massage therapist. This massage focuses on releasing tension in the body’s soft tissue and relaxing the body. This technique is not recommended for those just starting with massage therapy for pain relief as it is a bit more of an intense approach. Massage therapists often work up to this technique.

Massage Therapy for Low Back Pain in South Denver

Don’t let low back pain slow you down! With massage therapy, you can get instant pain relief and even enjoy a little relaxation. Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center in Centennial offers massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and natural supplements for low back pain relief. Contact us or book an appointment with one of our licensed professionals today!