How Massage Therapy Benefits Us?

Ice massage and ice application is generally most helpful during the first 48 hours following an injury that strains the back muscles. After this initial period, heat therapy is probably more beneficial to the healing process.

Benefits of heat therapy

• Moist heat aids the healing process by increasing circulation and relaxing muscle spasms
• In addition, heat therapy is both inexpensive and easy to do
• Several types of heat application are readily available which include heating pads, hot water bottles etc.

For lower back pain

Heat therapy application can help provide lower back pain relief through several mechanisms:

• Heat therapy dilates the blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine. This process increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping to heal the damaged tissue
• Heat application facilitates stretching the soft tissues around the spine, including muscles, connective tissue, and adhesions

Precautions for heat therapy

• Any type of heat source should be "warm", not hot, to avoid burning the skin
• Also, it is cautioned never to fall asleep with the heating pad on
• As with ice therapy, it is important to always use a protective barrier, such as a towel, between the heat and the skin to avoid burning the skin
• If the lower back is swollen or bruised, heat should not be used and it is better to use a cold pack to reduce the inflammation or swelling in the area
• Patients should consult with their treating physician if they have heart disease or hypertension

Ice massage therapy

For patients experiencing back pain, ice massage therapy is quick, free, easy to do, and it can provide significant pain relief for many types of back pain.

Most episodes of back pain are caused by muscle strain.

How ice massage therapy provides relief

Ice massages can help provide relief for back pain in a number of ways, including:

• Ice application slows the inflammation and swelling that occurs after injury.
• Ice massage therapy numbs sore tissues (providing pain relief like a local anesthetic)
• Ice massage therapy slows the nerve impulses in the area, which interrupts the pain-spasm reaction between the nerves
• Ice massage therapy decreases tissue damage

How ice therapy works?

Ice massage therapy is most effective if it is applied as soon as possible after the injury occurs.

• The cold makes the veins in the tissue contract, reducing circulation.
• Once the cold is removed, the veins overcompensate and dilate and blood rushes into the area.
• The blood brings with it the necessary nutrients to allow the injured back muscles, ligaments and tendons to heal.

Precautionary measures

• Never apply ice directly to the skin
• Instead, be sure that there is a protective barrier between the ice and skin, such as a towel
• Limit the ice application to no more than fifteen or twenty minutes