Massage is well-known for its therapeutic properties. It is because it promotes relaxation. Massage therapy can be both psychologically and physically relaxing. It can also provide pain relief and a sense of well-being. There are many benefits to massage therapy, whether it’s self- administered or by a therapist.
What is a Herniated Disc, and what does it mean?
Diagram for Herniated Disc A herniated disc is a condition in which there is dysfunction in the rubbery cushions between your vertebrae (vertebrae). A tear in the fibers around the disc’s outer edges can cause spinal disc herniation. This fibrous exterior contains a soft interior, which provides protection from the stresses of running, walking and standing. This interior core can be pushed through the tear like a hernia breaking through the abdominal muscle wall.
Spinal decompression therapy
We offer non-surgical spinal decompression as an option to treat herniated discs. This therapy is done by gently stretching your spine, and changing the pressures and position. Spinal decompression therapy relies on gentle motorized traction to relieve back pain.
Non-surgical spine decompression therapy lowers the pressure on your spinal discs by applying negative pressure to the disc. The pressure in your spine discs can be reduced by reducing the bulging and herniated discs. This will relieve the pressure on nerves and other spinal structures. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy reduces disc pressure and speeds up healing.
Class IV DIOWAVE laser therapy
DIOWAVE IV Laser Therapy is an alternative treatment for herniated disc pain and symptoms. This revolutionary and powerful treatment penetrates the affected tissues. It speeds up healing while providing natural pain relief.
DIOWAVE Laser Therapy uses light-based photobiostimulation to heal.
This is how cells naturally respond to light waves. DIOWAVE uses concentrated light-at a predetermined wavelength, frequency and triggers your body to produce more Adenosine Triphosphate. ATP is responsible for cellular energy production.
The body can experience improved blood circulation, enhanced DNA/RNA activity, faster healing, and better blood flow.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections are a great way to get long-term pain relief. Anesthesia shots reduce pain signals sent by nerve compression. Injections of cortisone can reduce swelling and heat, as well as the pain. To deliver the medication, the needle must be inserted directly into the affected area.
Massage Therapy
The symptoms of herniated discs include numbness or weakness, stiffness, and limited muscle mobility. Massage therapy can be used to release muscle tightness from nerve compression, which can trigger pain in other parts.
Your Spine & Sports Therapy Center provider will help you pinpoint the source of your pain, and then use gentle, targeted massage techniques to diffuse it. Massage therapy is a great way to relieve your pain and relax the tightened muscles that are caused by nerve compression. One treatment can provide significant relief for patients suffering from pain.
Tracking Bulging Discs
You can help manage your bulging disc by identifying the discs that aren’t causing symptoms. A bulging disc is not torn and it’s different from a herniated disc. A bulging disc occurs when cartilage between the vertebrae of your spine extends beyond their normal position. If you pay attention to bulging discs, it is possible to prevent discs from rupturing or becoming herniated. Your problem can be prevented by strengthening your posture and using proper ergonomics. A bulging disc in the lower back can cause pain. This is because it absorbs the most stress and pressure.
Medically supervised Weight Loss
According to a study, almost 1/3 of Americans who are overweight experience musculoskeletal and even back pain. Each pound that you add to your body will cause strain to your back muscles and ligaments.
Your body will try to compensate for extra weight if you are overweight. This can lead to the spine being under excessive stress, and possibly even affecting its ability to stay upright. The unnatural curvature can develop over time, putting your spine structures, tissues, and nerves at risk of injury. An extra weight on your abdomen can push your pelvis forward, which can lead to lower back strain and disc problems. Spine and Sports Therapy Center will assist you in safely losing the weight you desire and alleviating your back discomforts.
Herniated Discs – Passive Physical Treatments
Deep Tissue massage: Although there are more than 100 types, deep tissue massage can be a good choice if you have a herniated disc. It relies on a lot of pressure to relieve muscle tension and spasms. This causes muscle motion to stop at the affected areas.
Hot and Cold Therapy. Both cold and hot therapies have their benefits. Your physical therapist may choose to alternate between them in order to get the best results.
Your physical therapist might use heat to increase blood circulation to the targeted area. By delivering more oxygen and nutrients, blood can help heal the area. The blood also helps to eliminate muscle spasm waste products.
Cryotherapy (also known as cold therapy) slows down circulation. This helps to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. The physical therapist can place an icepack on the targeted area or give you an ice massage to reduce inflammation.
Hydrotherapy: The name of hydrotherapy refers to water. Hydrotherapy is a passive treatment that involves sitting in a warm shower or whirlpool tub. Hydrotherapy can be used to ease pain and relax muscles.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimuli: A TENs machine uses an electric current to stimulate your muscle. It sounds quite intense but isn’t too painful. The tiny electrical current is sent to the nerve pathways by electrodes taped to your body. TENS reduces muscle spasms.
Traction: The goal is to decrease the impact of gravity on your spine. To reduce disc herniation, the intention is to gently pull apart the bones. It is similar to a flat-tire “disappearing” if you put a jack under it and relieve the tire of its pressure. This can be done in the cervical spine or lumbar.
Physical Therapy offers active treatment options
Active treatments address flexibility and posture as well core stability and joint movement. A program of exercise may be prescribed for optimal results. This will not only help with recurrent pain but it will also help your overall health. Your physical therapist can work with you to design a program that suits your needs and will take into account your health history.
Core stability is vital for spinal health. Many people don’t know this. Your back muscles support your spine by supporting your core (abdominal). If your core muscles weaken, it places extra pressure on your back muscles. Your physical therapist may recommend core stabilizing exercises for strengthening your back.
Flexibility: You can prepare yourself for aerobic and strength training by learning proper stretching techniques and flexibility. Flexibility allows your body to move more easily by preventing stiffness
Hydrotherapy: Rather than simply taking a bath in a hot tub, or sitting down in a bathtub like its passive counterparts, active hydrotherapy might involve water aerobics. This will help to condition your body with minimal stress.
Muscle Strengthening: Strong muscles provide support for your spine, and can help with pain.
Your physical therapist will show you how to condition and strengthen the back to prevent future pain. So you can better manage your symptoms, you might also learn self-care tips. You want to have the knowledge and skills to live pain-free.
It is important that you know how to properly condition and exercise your back after receiving formal physical therapy. The long-term effects of physical therapy will not be enjoyed if you don’t follow the lessons learned. Your back can be taken care of on your own to prevent any further disc problems.
Who Can Offer Massage Therapy?
They are skilled and well-known for their ability to treat problem areas with “smart fingers”. But a massage therapist doesn’t have to be the only one that can deliver a good massage. Physical therapists have also been trained in deep and manipulative massage. A second option is to use your intuition for self-massage and/or to direct a loved one. As long as you are feeling relaxed, there is no right or wrong way.
Benefits of a Massage
There are many different types of massage. No matter what type of massage you choose, the benefits will be the same.
Promoting circulation
An increase in blood flow can help speed healing after an injury. This is beneficial to the muscles surrounding the herniated disc.
Promote a sense of well being
Human touch has amazing power. Massage rhythms also release endorphins. These hormones can promote feelings of well-being and satisfaction which make it easier for the body to heal itself and cope with pain.
A decrease in stress hormones
An injury can cause stress, anxiety, or depression that may hinder healing. If stress is not managed properly, it can create a long-term problem that may be associated with disc herniation.
Relaxation
A herniated disc injury can cause muscles to become tightened and guarded. The problem can be worsened if the muscles become stiff and it becomes difficult to resume daily activities. A herniated disc can be treated by relaxation.
Flexibility – Increase your flexibility
A herniated disc could cause muscle and joint stiffness throughout the body. It is possible to improve movement of the spine and other affected parts of the body, such as the hips or shoulders, which can lead to function and movement.
When to have a massage on a Herniated Disc
Massage for herniated disc can be performed for many reasons.
- General muscle stiffness or soreness in the joint and muscle muscles
- Feelings such as anxiety, stress, or depression.
- Due to stiffness or pain, it can be difficult to perform daily tasks.
- Past experiences with massage have been positive
- Poor pain cycle: Stiffness is causing movement avoidance. This in turn causes more stiffness, and thus more pain.
- You are having difficulty sleeping because of a herniated disc
- It is possible to help.
What type of massage is best for a herniated Disc?
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is an excellent option to treat those sore, stubborn spots. Deep massage, when done properly, promotes more endorphin release than other techniques. It is often used to target problem areas in the muscles, or fascia. These layers of connective tissue are tough and thick. They separate the layers around the muscles.
Deep tissue massage can cause some soreness. The pain and soreness you feel should be different to your original symptoms. You should not make symptoms worse. Instead, the muscles and joints that were targeted during the massage might be sore. You may also consider other healing modalities to aid in your recovery.
Combining massage with pain relief creams, heat and cold therapy can provide additional relief.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy, a treatment that focuses on muscle knots, is one technique. These small areas of muscle can become “bunched” because of poor posture, chronic pain, overuse, or other factors.
Our muscles are built to tolerate tension and stretch, as long as they are allowed to return to their original position periodically like a rubber band. Small sections of the affected muscles will become a mass of fibers if there isn’t enough rest or too much strain. This causes even more problems by reducing blood flow.
These areas can be treated by applying pressure directly on the muscle knots for a longer time (typically 1-5 min). This is essentially a “reset”, which will help the muscle fibers. When pressure is applied, blood will flood the area and promote relaxation. With the right tools, this technique is simple to administer yourself. All you need to do is stay relaxed.
Foam Rolling Exercises
A massage therapist might occasionally use a foam roll, but it’s a good option for individual home or gym massage. For a very reasonable price, you can either purchase your own foam roller or buy them from your local gym. They are usually located in the mat section. Foam rollers can be used to slow and rhythmic movements of large muscles groups, such as the legs and the lower back. You can also use it to stretch your chest to alleviate postural issues.
Hot and cold Massage
For pain relief and relaxation, both heat and cold therapies are great options. You can combine it with massage to make your body feel great. You may be offered hot stones by a massage therapist, or you can keep the room at a specific temperature.
Although heat is more comfortable, cold can be used to treat a back injury with high levels of inflammation. You can save money and still get all the benefits by using your own tools at home.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient treatment option that applies pressure to certain areas of the body using tools, fingers and elbows. When used to treat a herniated disc the acupressurist will be able to relieve pain and stress and promote a sense of well-being via appropriate “energy release” and re-direction.
While they may not be as effective in relieving pain and increasing circulation, the home acupressure mats are excellent for improving circulation. Any treatment that increases circulation is worth considering is certainly worth it.
Practice Herniated Disc massage safely
It is important to feel comfortable when you are doing a massage. It is possible to feel some discomfort, but the important thing is to be comfortable. Over-pressure can lead to muscle guarding and make things worse. Your ability to relax should determine how much you can do. Massage to treat a herniated disc is not painless.
Listen to your body. Your spine alignment is important. A flexed spine can worsen your symptoms. Additionally, prolonged positions can cause stiffness. Make sure you move around and use a pillow to support your back.
Do not use a massage technique or position that causes nerve symptoms like tingling, shooting pains, or increased muscle strength. Be aware of your anxiety. You should not try to relax if this is your only option. For pain relief, you might want to consider physical therapy and chiropractic care.