Back pain relief and recovery
Low back pain and neck pain is very common and may last for months and years. Treatment is focused on reducing symptoms and aiding the patient back to full functional recovery. According to a new clinical study, massage is more effective than the standard medical intervention in treating for improving pain and functional ability with patients suffering chronic back pain.
Independent clinical studies with a 12 week course of therapy have shown a significant relationship between a regular remedial massage therapy and speedier recovery and improvements in pain relief for a number of chronic and acute conditions. This applies equally to job and accident-related injuries and strains.
Patients suffering from non-specific chronic pain for 3 months or longer were compared incorporating a 10 week 1 session per week course of massage treatment, versus the standard medical treatment consisting of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants. Massage was associated with patients enjoying significant earlier functional recovery and improvement of back pain without the side effects of drugs or medication. The benefits of massage were significant 6 months after the course.
Clinical remedial massage experience has shown that focusing on the tightness of the muscles in the legs and glutes has been successful in alleviating symptoms of low back sciatica pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – Hand pain
Studies on patiens with carpal syndrome have shown significant benefits with increased grip strength and decreased pain symptoms after 4 once weekly sessions.
Scapulocostal syndrome – Pain between shoulder blades
Small clinical trials over 3 weeks duration have demonstrated that trigger point massage patients had significant decrease in muscle pain and tension and anxiety compared to traditional ultrasound and heatpacks.
Sleep reduced stress and anxiety
Almost all studies and clinical observations report the wonderful side effects of massage therapy: the reduction in levels of pain si followed with improved quality of sleep, reduced stress and anxiety.
Other potential benefits of remedial massage:
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved circulation
- Reduced muscle tension and headaches
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
- Better sleep
Precautions and diagnosis
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, please consult with your treating consultant before engaging in remedial massage therapy and ensure that the amssage therapist is fully informed. Remedial massage therapists are not qualified to provide diagnosis of medical conditions and work under the supervision of a treating physician, specialist or osteopath.
Remedial Therapist Clinical Assessment
The remedial therapist will
- Take a case history flag indicators of serious conditions and if appropriate recommend you to see your physician prior to receiving therapy
- Flag psychosocial factors and occupational factors that present alongside the signs and symptoms of the client
- Assess client’s functional limitations and guide treatment and management options
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment strategies and client’s response, review and negotiate a treatment plan
Remedial massage assessment includes
- Case history and occupational and psychosocial links to presenting symptoms
- Outcome measures
- Postural observations related to asymmetry and predisposing factors to the underlined symptoms
- Gait assessment and observation of symmetry, rate and rhythm
- Functional tests acrive and passive range of motion resisted test and orthopaedic tests
- Palpation