Thai Massage is the best massage for lower back pain:
Based on different theoretical frameworks, Thai Massage appear to be effective in relieving chronic low back pain.
How does traditional Thai massage work?
Traditional Thai massage is classified as a type of soft tissue manipulation. Here, a practitioner physically stimulates portions of the body to help promote pain relief. Pain relief is derived by stimulating blood circulation and nerve endings, resulting in reflexive effects that reduce muscle contraction and hardness. It is a mechanism differing from the pharmacological effects of drugs. Much of the benefits of traditional Thai massage comes from compression. By applying pressure on muscle fibers, practitioners enhance the circulation of arterial blood to the massage area. The improved circulation also helps remove toxins from the affected areas through venous blood. Together, patients enjoy reduced muscle stiffness and tension as well as improved motion and flexibility.
ResearchersTrusted Source in Thailand studied the effects of Thai massage on a group of 120 people with nonspecific low back pain. Half the test group was treated with Thai massage and the rest with other conservative management techniques that included joint mobilization (a technique that involves applying pressure), hot packs, and manual stretching to painful areas.
Both groups were treated twice a week for 4 weeks, and both groups had significant pain relief.
Other studiesTrusted Source have found that Thai massage reduces back pain associated with trigger points — tight, painful muscle clusters — in the upper back.
What to do
If you have any concern that massage might be harmful to your back condition, check with your doctor.
Ask the massage therapist (or a physical therapist) for advice about ways that you sit, walk, or work that might be contributing to your pain.
Find out if a medical center in your area has an alternative or integrative medicine program. Such programs typically offer massage by qualified practitioners. While there, you can also explore other alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic.
Talk to people you know to get a recommendation. "You find a good massage therapist the same way you find a good doctor—ask around," Wayne suggests. Good practitioners get good results and generate positive referrals.
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