Spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes of back pain, according to Integrative Health Care. This condition causes the vertebral canal to narrow and press on the spinal cord. This causes pain and can even cause damage. Massage therapy can help alleviate some of the pain, but keep in mind it cannot cure spinal stenosis.
Massage Environment
The primary benefit of massage therapy is relaxation. The muscles will relax, as will the person receiving the massage. Make sure your environment is relaxing. It should be warm, which calms the mind and body. It should also be quiet. Have the patient lie on a firm, comfortable surface and use pillows anywhere she doesn't feel comfortable. Use massage oil or baby oil to avoid undue friction.
Massage Techniques
For maximum pain relief, you should use a variety of massage techniques. Whole hand effleurage should start your massage. Oil your hands and use the whole of each hand to rub from the bottom of the back to the neck. Focus around the spinal area. Don't apply too much force. Be firm, but not harsh. Once you reach the neck, circle back and rub back down towards the bottom of the back again. Repeat for five to 10 minutes.
Next, use the heel of your hand in the same way. The smaller area of the hand will concentrate the pressure, so this technique should only be used for five minutes.
Now move on to using the tips of your fingers. Rub from the bottom to the top. Push from the center of the spine outward to help curb spinal crushing. The pressure is even more focused here, so limit this technique to five minutes.
The next technique to use is called stripping. Use your fingers to push more fully on the muscles along the spine. Move slowly and feel for knots. As you feel knots, concentrate on these briefly. Move along the spine three times, using full-handed effleurage one time after each stripping.
Follow with frictions. Use your middle finger to push deeply along the spine. This will be your firmest pressure. This pressure will only be used on knots. Avoid using this technique on sore spots. This technique helps break up knots that put pressure on the spine.
Finish off with five minutes of whole hand effleurage. Avoid broken skin, sore spots or any area that looks infected.
How Often Should I Have Massage Therapy?
The frequency of your massages depends on what your doctor recommends. It all depends on how much pain you feel and the severity of your condition. If your stenosis is severe, he may recommend avoiding massages altogether. However, if your pain is severe and he thinks that massage therapy may benefit you, he may have you attending massage therapy daily.
Tags: five minutes, along spine, this technique, bottom back, feel knots, from bottom