Management of Backache
Massage
The human touch is a powerful healing tool. Although massage therapy does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. In case of back pain, massage increases circulation to the area, releases muscle spasms and stretches the back tissues.
Massage therapy consists of the use of hands or sometimes forearms, elbows and feet to manipulate the soft body tissues. A applies oil to the body to reduce friction, and then applies pressure to different sections of the body.
Massage benefits the body by :
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Stimulating the release of endorphins'
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Calming the nervous system.
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Improving sleep
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Strengthening the immune system.
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Aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.
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Reducing muscular tension
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Improving circulation of blood and lymph
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Increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues
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Improving posture
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Increasing flexibility and improving the range of joint movement.
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Enhancing overall performance.
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Relieving mental and physical stress
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Imposing the overall feeling of well-being.
Therapeutic massage is not recommended for people with – phlebitis ( inflammation of the veins), infectious diseases, certain skin conditions and some cardiac problems.
Shiatsu and Acupressure are oriental systems of finger – pressure that treat specific points along the acupuncture ‘meridians’ (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body). Massage therapists believe that energy blocked along these meridians can cause physical discomfort; so the aim is to release the blockage and rebalance the energy flow.
Trigger point therapy, sometimes called myotherapy or neuromuscular therapy, involves concentrated finger pressure against painful, irritated areas in painful muscles to relieve spasm and pain.
