Can sports massage help with back pain?

Although many people often associate a sports massage with muscle recovery after intense exercise, it’s often overlooked as an effective treatment to assist with general discomfort in your back (upper or lower) regardless of whether the cause of that pain is exercise related or not. 

Back pain is one of the most common problems seen in clinic and is considered a significant health problem. Some people experience mild pain, whereas some find their pain so severe it can disrupt their everyday life.

What causes back pain?

Back pain can be caused by impairment of the soft tissues that support the ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The back muscles tighten or become sore for various different reasons, including: 

improper lifting of heavy objects

sudden movement or fall

prolonged sitting at a desk

improper body posture

gradual overuse of muscles 

Many cases of  back pain don’t have a specific onset; they’ve just begun and got a little worse over time. Life’s busy, but our lives have become more sedentary. This is especially true now that so many people are working from home. Generally speaking, we don’t move enough, and this affects our muscles as well as our joints. Back stiffness, discomfort, and pain can then creep in as a result. 

How can sports massage help? 

There are lots of reasons as to why somebody is experiencing back pain, and if it’s as a result of musculoskeletal dysfunction then some hands on therapy combined with well planned and balanced exercise prescription will go a long way to getting you “back” on track. 

Severe pain and/or muscle spasm in your back will need to settle before starting manual therapy. Initially, very gentle movements to mobilise without causing nerve irritation are required. As the tissue calms, deep tissue and sports massage will further assist in giving relief and help you to start moving better.

At this point it’s important to consider strengthening and conditioning your body as a whole. Making your muscles work harder is not only therapeutic but also prepares your body to deal more effectively and efficiently with the stressors and strains of training and everyday life.

As a therapist, my main goal is to reduce your pain and improve movement and function so you can complete everyday activities pain-free. 

Book now for an Initial Consultation and Treatment