Back Pain & Neuromuscular Massage Therapy
Did you know that research has shown that 75%-80% of all people will suffer from back pain (specifically low back pain) at some point in their lives? Chances are that you, or someone you know, is suffering from some form of back pain right now.
The causes of pain are varied
The most common causes of back pain I see in my practice are either acute injuries or chronic unresolved injuries, where scar tissue has developed. Additionally, poor posture, disc degeneration, and sedentary lifestyles also negatively affect many people.
Stress also plays a major role in back pain. When we are stressed, our nervous system turns on our fight or flight response and we fall into a defensive posture. In this posture, the muscles of our chest and upper shoulders tighten, creating upper back and neck strain. Simultaneously, the glutes and hip flexors shorten, rotating the pelvis and increasing pressure and discomfort in the lower back. These posture dynamics are incredibly common and result in fatigued muscles, trigger points and pain.
Neuromusclar Massage Therapy for Back Pain
Those who suffer with back pain know there are no easy answers. In my practice, I approach pain and posture through addressing the soft tissue of the body (muscles, nerve tissue, and connective tissue) using Integrative Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (INMT).
INMT differs from Trigger Point Therapy in that it addresses the underlying trigger points (as well as adhesions and scar tissue) by combining trigger point therapy with other effective modalities, such as deep broad compression, friction, myofascial release and targeted stretching. This combination is incredibly effective at addressing the root causes of pain.
Neuromusclar Massage Works
A study by the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle found that massage was more effective at treating low-back pain than medication. Patients who received massage once a week for 10 weeks were more likely to report that their back pain had improved, and these improvements were still present six months after the study.
Not only can INMT help directly with the pain, but it also helps clients tap directly into the parasympathetic (relaxation) response system, so that both the mind and body let go. In this state, the body is free to direct more resources towards healing and outcomes are significantly improved.