Most of us will have had back pain at some point, and it can be very frustrating and uncomfortable. Whether it is from sitting at your desk for too long at work or tweaking it in the gym, it can cause great pain and if untreated it can get even worse. Our blog focuses on how sports massage (a form of deep tissue massage) can help.
There are many different problems that we can have in the back, such as:
- Low Back Pain
- DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
- Postural Intolerance (often from sitting or standing on one position for too long)
- Stress- Related Back Tension
- Muscle Spasms and Stiffness
How can Sports Massage help your back pain?
Sports massage is an important tool for helping you fix your back pain and can be very helpful not just for athletes but anyone with an issue. Sports massage can also be critical for preventing an issue in the first place if you are frequently active or have a history of back pain.
This is where sports massage can come in.
Sports massage can help:
- Relax tissues –Massage helps relax and release tension in the back muscles by stimulating the nervous system
- Improve circulation – Massaging the back helps improve blood flow and fluid movement to the targeted area, aiding in the oxygen delivery, repair and removal of damaged tissues
- Reduce pain – by stimulating the nervous system we can reduce painful sensations felt at the area
- Better movement – Massage can help get important movement and mobilisation to return to the spine, allowing faster recovery
What happens during a sports massage?
During a sports massage, our therapists will use a combination of techniques such as deep tissue pressure, stretching, and targeted manipulation to work on muscles and tissues causing your back pain.
The session typically begins with a short chat and assessment of the issues followed by the hands-on therapy. Our therapists will use lighter strokes to warm up the area, followed by more focused pressure to release tension, break down adhesions, and improve circulation. For back pain in particular, our therapists may concentrate on tight or overworked muscles along the spine, helping to reduce stiffness, enhance flexibility, and promote recovery.
While sports massage is often perceived as painful this is WRONG! It can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable; but we will always communicate what we are doing and explain everything to make for the most enjoyable experience.
Sports Massage and Physiotherapy
While sports massage and physiotherapy are both hands-on treatments, they play different roles. If you’re injured or in pain, a physiotherapist will assess the root cause of your problem and create a tailored treatment plan. Sports massage fits perfectly alongside this – helping to manage soft tissue restrictions, enhance recovery, and support your rehabilitation goals.
If you would like to speak to a physiotherapist or book in for a sports massage in Woking or Egham then please get in touch. Book an appointment online.
