My Experience With Massage Therapy

I love getting massages, do you? Will massage help your back pain? Should you get a massage? 

What is massage? What is back pain? We need to be specific about back pain and its methods of treatment. 

I spent a decade as a massage therapist from 2003 to 2013, and I have knowledge and practical experience in the field. My love of massage therapy, including multiple weekly sessions during my competitive years, underscores my commitment to this practice. I would use it to tune my mobility as an athlete, not to pound me into ground beef. Each athlete must be tuned to their specific demands. 

My time as a therapist and understanding of human anatomy, developed through years of hands-on experience, continues to benefit my current profession, especially in managing and alleviating lower back pain. By no means am I making a blanket statement about massage being good or bad; it depends. 

Over the course of my career, I’ve come to understand that the effectiveness of massage therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It varies significantly among individuals, Especially when it comes to back pain.

Some clients feel worse after a session, while others experience immediate relief. This variability is due to each person’s unique needs and requirements. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of this variability and why it occurs rather than attributing it to random chance.

The Role of a Comprehensive Assessment!

Back pain must be categorized. Similar to the type of massage treating said back pain. 

The success of massage therapy hinges on the nature and specifics of the injury or condition. For individuals with localized (centralized) muscle pain in the back, massage can often provide substantial relief by alleviating muscle tension and potentially treating the fascia. However, for those suffering from more complex issues, such as a disc bulge or severe spinal conditions, massage therapy might not only fail to provide relief but could potentially worsen the situation. I must say, very rarely does someone that I see have back pain due to “tight muscles.” This means in many cases, you are only treating the symptoms. 

I do not suggest going to the local spa or massage spot to get a Swedish or deep tissue massage from someone you’ve never met. 

Understanding the nature of your back pain is essential to determining whether massage therapy is suitable. For instance, localized muscle pain may respond well to massage, while more intricate conditions such as radicular pain—pain radiating from the back down to the legs—might require a different approach. The risk of aggravating a condition highlights the necessity of a thorough assessment to tailor treatment appropriately and avoid potential setbacks.

Too much shear force can irreparably damage someone with an unstable spondylolisthesis, even with an effleurage stroke (slow, light, long massage stroke down the back). Unfortunately, it happens. At the same time, other types of centralized back pain can prove priceless. I recently referred a top golfer who I assessed for some QL and erector NMT (deep) work, and this helped propel him forward, feeling better. It was targeted, not generic. 

With the knowledge I’ve gained, I can’t stress enough the importance of a thorough evaluation. It’s crucial for accurately diagnosing the underlying issues and determining the most appropriate course of action. A detailed assessment ensures that the therapy is tailored to your unique condition, maximizing its potential benefits and minimizing risks.

In conclusion, massage therapy can be a powerful tool for managing and alleviating pain when applied appropriately. However, its success largely depends on a comprehensive understanding of the specific injury or condition. By conducting a thorough assessment and utilizing resources like “Back Mechanic” and “Gift of Injury,” individuals can make informed decisions about incorporating massage therapy into their treatment plan. Always consult a qualified professional to ensure that your approach to massage therapy is tailored to your unique needs, providing the best possible outcomes for your health and well-being.

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

Back Injured Average Mary or Joe who wants their life back

Back Injured Athlete Wanting to Return to Sport

Lift and exercise coaching & cueing to troubleshoot form

Program adherence & accountability coaching