A doctor may prescribe pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs for your lower back pain or even recommend invasive surgery. Other treatments may involve physical therapy or weight reduction as many cases of lower back pain are attributed to excessive abdominal weight and improper compensation when bending or lifting. It’s imperative that you learn proper lifting methods and perform exercises to strengthen the abdominals thereby reducing the stress on your lower back.

However, even with the proper care and prevention, some people continue to suffer from pain and their quality of life quickly diminishes. Fortunately, massage therapy has been found to be an extremely effective method for dealing with lower back pain. A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience concluded that “lower back pain is reduced and range of motion was increased after massage therapy” in a group of lower back pain sufferers.¹ The group was compared to a group of similar patients that underwent progressive muscle relaxation.

The group that underwent 30-minute massage therapy sessions twice a week for five weeks reported less pain, depression, anxiety and improvements in sleep. Greater trunk movement was reported and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher. Serotonin and dopamine are responsible for feelings of calm and euphoria.

For more information on how massage therapy can reduce your lower back pain and improve the quality of YOUR life, please give our office a call.

1. Hernandez-Reif M, Field T, Krasnegor J, Theakston H. Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience 2001;106(3-4):131-145.

The most common causes of tension headaches are anxiety, stress, depression and anger as well as food allergies, poor posture, and improper breathing. Though common OTC pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can mask the pain from a tension headache, they carry unwanted side effects if you reach for that bottle too often. Stomach problems and liver damage can occur if OTC pain relievers are used too often.

More importantly, treating a tension headache with a pain reliever is much like sticking your finger in the hole in the dam rather than fixing the hole. Tension headaches occur mainly because of stress and poor posture that fatigues and strains the muscles that support your head. If you are unable to relieve these two tension headache-producing factors, you will continue to suffer from tension headaches.

Massage can reduce stress and soothe sore muscles. A pilot study printed in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy suggest a decrease in both primary and secondary headache pain measures with two 45 minute weekly massage sessions in patients with chronic tension-type headaches.¹ The patients reported less intensity and frequency of headaches after undergoing the massage that focused on myofascial trigger points.

If you’re tired of taking pain medicine for your tension headaches and are looking for a real solution, please call a licensed massage therapist today.

1. Moraska A, Chandler C. Changes in Clinical Parameters in Patients with Tension-type Headache Following Massage Therapy: A Pilot Study. J Man Manip Ther. 2008;16(2):106-12.

The causes of fibromyalgia are not well understood, which makes treatment difficult. For some people, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants are beneficial; however, there can be dangerous side effects. Proper nutritional support, daily walks, hot baths and adequate rest are all recommended to help you manage fibromyalgia; however, even when you try your best to follow these guidelines, you may still need more help.

Massage is highly-recommended for fibromyalgia patients. A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that fibromyalgia patients had an improvement in symptoms through both manual lymph drainage therapy (MLDT) and connective tissue massage (CTM)¹.

Manual lymph drainage therapy uses various massage techniques ranging from light motions to stronger, deeper manipulation. This massage therapy helps relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia by stimulating the flow of lymph, which can help the immune system.

Connective tissue massage restores full movement and lessens pain by properly aligning the connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Pressure is applied to stretch and guide the connective tissue restoring proper alignment and balance to the body.

If you have been suffering from fibromyalgia, give our clinic a call to see if we can help.

1. Ekici G, Bakar Y, Akbayrak T, Yuksel I. Comparison of manual lymph drainage therapy and connective tissue massage in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2009;32(2):127-33.

Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome affect the sciatic nerve that begins at the sacrum and extends down both legs. In sciatica, the sciatic nerve is not being directly compressed, but the nerve roots at the base of the spine that connect with the sciatic nerve are being compressed. In piriformis syndrome, the piriformis muscle in the buttocks region is directly compressing the sciatic nerve.

In either case, the classic marker is shooting pain down one or both legs. Though surgery and drugs (anti-inflammatories and pain meds) are often used to treat back problems, there are other options. First, it is imperative that a person loses weight, strengthens abdominal muscles and learns to lift properly. This may be difficult, however, if pain is not relieved in another way.

This is where massage therapy for sciatica pain can enable a person to carry on with daily activities and begin the path towards weight loss and strengthening their body. Your massage therapist may begin by assessing the lower back and buttock area to see if the pain stems from compression in the lower back, sacral area or buttocks. They will then concentrate on the piriformis. At this point, the massage therapy will depend on your particular pain. Your therapist may use gentle vibrations or deep massage to relieve the pressure and pain.¹

Your massage therapist can also give advice on exercises that you can do at home to relieve pain. For drug-free, surgery-free pain relief, contact a licensed massage therapist today!

1. Barrett C. Massage Therapy for Sciatica: How to Reduce Pain in the Sciatic Nerve

TMJ is exacerbated by stress and poor diet. Treatment for TMJ needs to be a multilevel treatment meant to improve diet, relieve stress and limit jaw clenching. Certain foods are more stressful than others such as “junk” foods that are high in sugar or beverages containing caffeine. Jaw clenching will be lessened through stress management and adjusting sleeping position (lying on your back instead of your side or stomach). You may also benefit from a mouth guard designed to protect the teeth and lessen the impact of jaw clenching and teeth grinding throughout the night.

Massage is highly effective in treating TMJ both directly and indirectly. In a French study, 15 patients presenting with TMJ were treated with massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle. The results showed that joint clicking was solved in 80% and pain in 50% of the cases.¹

Indirectly, massage has long been effective in relieving stress by releasing endorphins and producing a sense of calm. Massage can also relieve muscle tension and pain in the shoulders and neck.

To see if massage therapy can help with your jaw or TMJ pain, give our office a call.

Barriere P, Zink S, Riehm S, et al. Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle in acute TMJ dysfunction syndrome. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac 2009.

In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the median nerve, which controls the thumb muscles and sensation in the thumb, palm and first three fingers, is compressed or injured from swelling, pressure from bone spurs, diabetes, dislocation or fracture, arthritis, tendonitis, and repetitive, continuous, rapid motion of the fingers. For the latter cause, CTS is first treated by resting from the repetitive action. If symptoms improve, modifications can be made such as using an ergonomically designed keyboard or rotating tasks so the length of time spent at the repetitive action is minimized and alternated with other motion.

Physicians often prescribe anti-inflammatories and pain medications. As well, surgery is sometimes suggested, though it is now thought that many CTS surgeries have been unnecessary and one should always seek a second opinion before going to the extreme of surgery. Splints and braces sometimes benefit people with CTS.

A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicates that there is an alternative to drugs or surgery when treating CTS. The study concluded that massage therapy, both general massage (GM) and targeted massage (TM) for CTS, might be a conservative approach to treating CTS. There was improvement shown for both groups (GM and TM), but improvement in grip strength was only noted in targeted massage (TM).¹

If carpal tunnel syndrome is interfering with your ability to work or do the things you love, please call our office for an appointment.

Moraska A, Chandler C, Edmiston-Schaetzel A, Franklin G, Calenda EL, Enebo B. Comparison of a targeted and general massage protocol on strength, function, and symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2008;14(3):259-267.

In offering palliative care (care focused on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the disease) involves aiding the patient with all needs including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual support. Pain medications are usually used as well as anything necessary to treat infections and edema.

Massage may be very useful in cancer palliation because of its wide range of benefits. Massage has been found to relieve physical and emotional stress. It is capable of reducing edema and improving mobility. Massage is deemed a positive experience by most that have experienced it thereby boosting a person’s mood.

A study printed in Support Care Cancer (the official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer) reviewed six databases of classical massage trials for cancer patients, which collectively suggested that “massage can alleviate a wide range of symptoms: pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, anger, stress and fatigue.” ¹

If you or a loved one is in need of palliative care and comfort, please talk with your physician or hospice care about contacting a licensed massage therapist so that the quality of your life may be improved.

Ernst E. Massage therapy for cancer palliation and supportive care: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Support Care Cancer 2009;17(4):333-7.

Obviously, cancer is a highly stressful disease. Fear easily pops into one’s head when even the word cancer is mentioned. Cancer treatment itself can be difficult and taxing on the mind and body. Pain may be caused from the cancer itself, inflamed tissue, related infections, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

The National Institutes of Health reports that “improvement in pain and mood immediately following treatment was greater with massage than with simple touch” in a randomized trial of 380 advanced cancer patients spanning 15 hospices.¹

Massage can relieve your stress and produce a sense of calmness. During massage, endorphins are released that produce a calm feeling. Researchers also believe that the mere positive experience of receiving a massage temporarily distracts a cancer patient from all of the negative aspects of cancer. Physical pain is relieved with massage because it can reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms and stimulate blood and lymph circulation.¹

If you or someone you know is suffering from the physical and psychological pain of cancer, please contact a licensed massage therapist today.

1. Kutner JS, Smith MC, Corbin L, et al. Massage therapy versus simple touch to improve pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2008 Sep 16;149(6):369-79.

This is where trigger point therapy may be useful because the trigger point is distant from the area of allodynia. Manipulating the trigger point may relieve the pain enabling further procedures that were previously impossible. A study in the Journal of the Chiropractic and Osteopathic College of Australasia found this to be true when a patient with severe allodynia responded well to daily myofascial trigger point (MTrP) therapy and was able to continue with physical therapy and steroid injections. After two months of continued MTrP therapy, physical therapy and steroid injections, the patient was nearly pain free and had full range of motion.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty with RSDA treatments, talk to your practitioner about myofascial trigger point therapy and call a licensed massage therapist today for more information!

1. Hong CZ. Specific sequential myofascial trigger point therapy in the treatment of a patient with myofascial pain syndrome associated with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Australas Chiropr Osteopathy. 2000 Mar;9(1):7-11.

Age, race, sex and heredity are uncontrollable factors; however, there are many controllable factors including living a healthy lifestyle (eating properly and avoiding risk factors such as using tobacco or excessive alcohol), exercising regularly and learning how to manage stress effectively.

Blood pressure medication may become necessary and one should never discontinue high blood pressure medication without the consent and advice of their physician; however, many things can be done to lower blood pressure, which may lead to a relatively normal blood pressure and cardiovascular outlook.

Weight loss is important in individuals who are overweight or obese. If your physician gives you the “okay” to proceed with exercise, this is also highly beneficial. Stress management is of key importance!

Massage has proven benefits for reducing stress and the effects that stress has on the body. It has been well-documented that massage increases serotonin levels, which has a calming effect on the body. In addition, a study published in Biological Research for Nursing suggested that regular massage may lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The subjects were divided into two groups. The massage group participated in ten-minute back massages three times a week for ten sessions. The control group was placed in the same environment for the same amount of time, but they did not receive massage and only relaxed. At the end of the trial, the massage group experienced a larger drop in blood pressure.¹

Controlling high blood pressure is incredibly important and everything that you can do, you should! If you have high blood pressure, and your physician approves, massage therapy might be of some benefit.

Olney CM. The effect of therapeutic back massage in hypertensive persons: a preliminary study. Biological Research for Nursing 2005;7(2):98-105.