Massage
Massage entails manipulating the skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. A massage can be in the form of light stroking or can involve deep pressure. There are many forms of massage available, but trigger point massage and deep tissue massage are commonly used in patients with muscle pain. An increased number of practitioners recognize massage therapy as a beneficial modality for muscle pain and as an adjunct to treatment of myofascial low back pain.
Types of Massage:
The two main types of massage used in treating musculoskeletal conditions are trigger point massage and deep tissue massage. Trigger point massage focuses on sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers, whereas deep tissue massage involves slower strokes which are forceful to reach the deep layers of the muscle and underlying tissue.
Benefits of Massage:
Research shows that massage therapy can improve blood circulation, enabling the recovery of sore muscles. Massage can also improve range of motion, which in turn can improve function. Increased endorphin levels have been found after massage, which can be beneficial in managing chronic pain. Massage is helpful for pain relief, stiffness, sports-related injuries, some types of low back and neck pain, and stress relief.
Although massage is helpful and safe for most patients, it is not for everyone. You should inform your doctor that you are trying massage and always go to a certified massage therapist or physical therapist.
