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massage and low-back pain, new research and info. on Swedish massage

Posted in: Blog, Massage Therapy by chirocare on November 10, 2011

Low-back pain is one of the most common complaints of consumers, and now there’s research that suggests massage therapy may just be more effective in dealing with low-back pain that other more traditional medical interventions. 

The study comprised of 401 patients aged 20 to 65 years old with nonspecific chronic low-back pain and compared the effectiveness of either relaxation or structural massage versus usual care, including medication and physical therapy.  Participants were asked about their abilities to perform daily activities and then randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments.

One group received full-body relaxation massage…and another received focused deep tissue massage… The third group received therapies including painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants… Those receiving massage were given a one-hour massage once a week for 10 weeks.

…After 10 weeks, the researchers surveyed the participants about their symptoms and mobility, and again at six months and one year.  The two groups of patients receiving massage therapy reported their back pain was significantly improved or gone altogether. 

Although previous studies on massage therapy and low-back pain have concentrated primarily on the effectiveness of deep tissue massage, researchers are hopeful about the success of relaxation massage modalities offering significant benefits.  Two reasons are that relaxation massage is oftentimes more widely available and more cost-effective. 

What is Swedish Massage?  

Developed in the 1700s by a Swedish doctor, this type of massage is generally used to relax and energize you.  Various techniques — including long gliding strokes, applying circular pressure with hands and palms, and firm kneading — are used to relax muscles and increase the oxygen flow in the blood.  Lotion or oil is often used during a Swedish massage to reduce friction. 

This information was taken from the Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2011 issue page 24