Massage is a medical and healing procedure, which has been known to mankind for a long time. Today, massage is used for a variety of diseases, and therapeutic back massage is one of the most often prescribed.
There are several types of therapeutic back massage: classical, acupressure, pneumomassage, hydromassage, vibromassage, etc. Back massage is performed on the area from the nape to the coccyx - massage of the collar zone, thoracic and lumbosacral divisions.
Indications for therapeutic back massage
Massage is indicated for back pain, for diseases related and not related to the musculoskeletal system, as well as to healthy people whose work is associated with prolonged sitting or physical exertion. We list only a part of cases when a back massage is recommended:
- trauma to the back and spine;
- disorders of posture ( kyphosis , scoliosis, lordosis);
- diseases of the back and spine (osteochondrosis, lumbago, sciatica, etc.);
- headache;
- hypertonic disease;
- bronchitis;
- chronic gastritis;
- impaired intestinal motility;
- stress .
Contraindications for therapeutic back massage:
- increased body temperature;
- blood diseases;
- hypertensive crisis;
- diseases and injuries of the skin of the back;
- purulent processes of any localization;
- sclerosis of cerebral vessels;
- menstruation;
- some mental illnesses.
Mechanism of action of therapeutic massage
The back is the largest reflexogenic zone. By acting on certain active points on the back for massage, one can not only improve the general state of a person, but also normalize the disturbed functions of the organs.
Therapeutic massage has the following effects:
- normalizes blood circulation;
- relaxes muscles;
- increases the range of mobility of joints and muscles;
- increases the level of endorphins;
- calms the nervous system;
- stimulates the immune system, etc.
Technique of therapeutic back massage
The way to do a back massage can only be determined by a specialist who knows the structure of the body and the functioning of its systems. With different diseases, the pattern of massage movements is not the same. For example, a back massage in scoliosis is aimed at strengthening weak muscles and relaxing tension. However, different types of scoliosis also require an appropriate type of massage, using different techniques for different muscle groups.
In general, we can distinguish four main techniques used in the treatment of back massage, which are based on auxiliary:
- Stroking. This technique is always performed at the beginning and end of the procedure. It is a light effect, which consists in stroking the skin. The main purpose of this method is to improve the tone of blood vessels, blood circulation, the state of the peripheral nervous system, reduce pain. Depending on the type of stroking, you can achieve two different effects: slow and superficial has a soothing, relaxing effect, and a quick and energetic - exciting, tonic effect.
- Trituration. This is a more intense technique, which is performed by movement on the skin with its shifting. The purpose of grinding is to improve the dynamics of the tissues, the disintegration of deposits, the expansion of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the necessary areas.
- Kneading. This technique can be called a kind of passive gymnastics for the muscles, in which they then contract, then relax. In this case, squeezing, lifting, pulling, pushing and gripping of tissues is applied. Kneading can be superficial and deep, intermittent and uninterrupted. As a result, the natural functions of muscles are restored.
- Vibration. This method consists in transferring to tissues the vibrational motions of a certain frequency and force. There are several types of vibration: shaking, shaking, pushing, rubbing, quilting, pinching, etc. Vibration can cause amplification and restoration of lost reflexes.
