Benefits of Regular Back Massage
Is your back tired, achy, or tight?
Are you plagued by chronic low-back pain, or sharp pain between your shoulder blades from spending too much time sitting at a computer?
Are you seeking effective relief from back pain and stiffness?
Or are you pain-free but stressed-out and seeking a healthy way to relax and recharge?
If your answer to any of these questions is "yes", then it's very likely you could benefit from a back massage!
The truth is that back massage can offer great health and wellness benefits to most people. Massage therapy is a safe, effective method for achieving short-term relief from physical pain, as well as psychological stress!
Massage therapy offers many other benefits as well, ranging from:
💜 lowering blood pressure
💜 helping anxiety & depression
💜 better circulation
💜 and sleep
Especially in the context of a regular massage therapy program tailored to meet your specific health and wellness goals!
Before you book your first back massage, read this guide to learn more about what you can expect during a session and some of the surprising ways that massage can improve your health and well-being.
What to expect at your first back massage?
💜 Swedish massage techniques, with steady, rhythmic kneading, pressure and sometimes percussive movements, are more likely to be used to promote relaxation. Aromatherapy - the use of scented oils during massage - can also aid in relaxation.
💜 Trigger point therapy, on the other hand, involves the massage therapist applying sustained, targeted finger pressure to tight knots of muscle, until tension is released. This technique can cause some localised discomfort in the moment - that "hurts so good" feeling you might have heard about - but many clients find it to be a very effective treatment for stiffness and pain. The purpose of this kind of massage is less about relaxation during a session and more about effective therapeutic treatment for pain symptoms.
A trigger point therapy session may feel somewhat intense while it's happening, but achieving effective pain relief can lead to improved mood and feelings of calm and relaxation after an appointment.
💜 There are many other massage techniques as well, originating in different cultural traditions around the world and developed with different goals and experiences in mind for the client.
💜 Some popular techniques beyond Swedish massage and trigger point therapy include: myofascial release targeting connective tissue and deep tissue massage involving slow, deep strokes to reach deep tissue layers.
It's a good idea to do a little research before you schedule an appointment to explore the type of back massage you'd prefer, or simply pop me a message to discuss your needs!
Back massage: Good for your whole body & your mind too!
Whatever type of back massage you decide to try, you are likely to experience a similar range of benefits. First and most obviously, massage therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for back pain. But the health and wellness benefits of massage therapy are not limited to easing tension in your back!
Massage therapy in general has been shown to effectively promote a range of positive health and wellness outcomes, including:
💜 Promoting mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety
💜 Promoting cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure
💜 Facilitating better sleep
💜 Supporting recovery from sports injuries and surgery
💜 Managing symptoms associated with a variety of chronic pain conditions without the risks of surgery or opioid pain medication
💜 Helping to maintain flexibility and range of motion in the joints of arthritis sufferers
As if relief from muscle tension weren't enough, there are clearly many ways a client can benefit from back massage. The best way to maximise the health and wellness potential of massage therapy is through regular massage therapy!
I have clients who come to me weekly, fortnightly and monthly to maintain their physical and mental health and the results are amazing! It is far easier to keep your health maintained than to ignore the warning signs your body is giving you!