{"id":179,"date":"2023-06-09T10:20:41","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T10:20:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.integrativehealthcare.org\/wp_temp_dir\/?p=179"},"modified":"2023-06-09T17:49:57","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T17:49:57","slug":"overlooked-massage-tactics-for-low-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.integrativehealthcare.org\/mt\/overlooked-massage-tactics-for-low-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Reduce Low Back Pain: 4 Tactics You May Have Overlooked"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Back pain relief is one of the most common reasons clients seek massage therapy care. By using various bodywork techniques to relax the major muscles of the lower back, many practitioners gear their practice toward these individuals. While direct manipulation of the contracted, pain-causing low back muscles can bring clients great relief, some simple, often forgotten applications can enhance conventional massage\u2019s therapeutic results.<\/p>\n

Clinical studies continually conclude that massage therapy helps people who are suffering from chronic aches and pains on either side of their lumbar vertebrae. Some of the most common bodywork modalities proven to reduce low back pain through circulation enhancement include Swedish massage, acupressure, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and deep tissue massage. Therapists who integrate different types of circulatory massage are often rewarded by clients reporting immediate pain relief. Unfortunately, this pain relief is often short-lived. By incorporating the four tactics listed below, practitioners can prolong their clients\u2019 pain relief far beyond the confines of the massage table:<\/p>\n

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  1. Thermotherapy (Heat Therapy) \u2013 While the qualities of warmth and heat have long been associated with comfort and relaxation, heat therapy goes further by providing both pain relief and healing benefits for many types of lower back pain. Heat\u2019s ability to dilate constricted blood vessels can calm back muscle spasms before a deep tissue massage, while driving a car, sitting at a desk, or lying in bed.Applying a hot pack or taking a hot bath are two of the simplest ways to apply heat. Caution<\/em>: Heat can make some conditions worse. Do not apply heat to an infection or recent injury. Do not use heat on acute inflammation, like a flare-up of arthritis. If you or your client is unsure of the cause of pain, refer them to a doctor for an evaluation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    1. Core Strengthening \u2013 Weak muscles can cause back pain. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back. In general, the core muscles run the length of the trunk and torso, and when they contract, they stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle and create a solid base of support. Core strengthening can include exercises on a stability ball or wobble board, Pilates, and yoga.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Below are some exercise\/stretching options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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