Can it help chronic back pain?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Deep tissue massage is effective against chronic pain in the lower back, treating fascial adhesions between muscles of the spine. Focal pressure is applied by the therapist along the spine and adjacent tissues. This releases tension patterns responsible for long-term discomfort and allows the structural organization to improve significantly over the course of a few sessions.
Muscle Stripping
- Glides along spinal erectors releasing longitudinal tension
- Follows muscle grain direction from sacrum to neck
- Breaks adhesions between muscle layers and vertebrae
Trigger Point Therapy
- Sustained pressure on specific knots in quadratus lumborum
- Holds 60-90 seconds per trigger point
- Releases referred pain patterns radiating to hips
Myofascial Release
- Gentle traction on thoracolumbar fascia restrictions
- Addresses scar tissue from previous injuries
- Restores natural glide between tissue layers
Postural integration is important to keep any relief, but the therapists teach simple corrections in the line during the sessions, which you will practice while sitting, standing, and sleeping. The combination of bodywork and body awareness yields the most permanent improvement in body structure, which helps prevent pain.
Muscle rebalancing is concerned with eliminating compensatory patterns associated with chronic pain. Tension in muscle groups pulls vertebrae out of alignment, causing pain and discomfort. A therapist will identify these muscle groups, address the dominant groups through release, and strengthen the opposing groups, which support the natural position of the spine.
Nerve impingement frequently leads to chronic back discomfort. Deep techniques relieve compression on the sciatic and other spinal nerves. This decreases both radiating leg pain and numbness. Correct application of pressure does not irritate sensitive neural structures.
Clinical Studies show substantial improvements in chronic back pain sufferers. 80 percent report considerable pain reduction after 6 sessions. 70 percent show improvement at three-month follow-ups. The best results are found when massage is combined with core exercises.
Read the full article: Understanding Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
