Is It Good To Massage Your Own back (Answered)
Do you know that back pain is one of the major causes of disability globally and in the United States?
Thankfully treatments like massage therapy can help with back pains and other pain conditions.
So is it good to massage your own back if you don’t have the time to visit a professional massage therapist?
Keep reading to find out!
Is It Good To Massage Your Own Back?
Yes, it’s good to massage your own back. But you have to know how to do it properly. Furthermore, massaging your back the right way can help alleviate your upper/ lower back pains.
Does Massage For Back Pain Work? (Answered)
Yes, massage works for back pain. Moreover, over the years, many people have been seeking massage treatment for all kinds of body pains, including lower and upper back pains.
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) commissioned a survey that shows that a growing number of Americans seek massage therapy for various health issues each year. In addition, more medical practitioners now recommend massages to their patients.
In 2016, a systematic review of studies indicated that massage for pain management is strongly recommended. These studies reviewed 60 high-quality cases and found massage therapy helps to treat both pains and anxiety effectively.
In recent years, studies have been conducted to test whether using massage to manage chronic pain is effective. And they include the following studies:
- A study conducted in 2018 shows that massage therapy help to enhance mobility and lower pain and anxiety
- A study focused on cancer concluded that massage can alleviate cancer-related fatigue
- Another study found massage is effective in managing arthritic pains
Also, strong evidence is available to prove that massage therapy is an effective treatment for nonspecific chronic low back pain.
How To Massage Your Own Back (Beginner’s Guide)
You can use the below to massage your back.
- Lotion
- Cocoa Butter,
- Oil or Lanolin for a massage.
Here is a step-by-step guide to massaging both your upper back and lower back:
Note: you need a partner to help massage your back. It could be your spouse, relative, or friend.
- Step 1: Add a little amount of warm oil or lotion to the hands of your partner. Then ensure to rub both hands together. This will help to spread the oil evenly on his hands.
- Step 2: Now, tell him to move his hands slowly during the massage to allow you to feel relaxed.
- Step 3: He should start massaging your lower back. Instruct him to move his hands upward on both sides of your spine to your shoulders.
- Step 4: Make sure he applies gentle circular motion as he moves his hands upward.
- Step 5: He should move his hands across your shoulders and then start moving them down towards your upper arms. Ensure less pressure is used as he moves his hands downward.
- Step 6: Don’t hesitate to tell him if he’s applying too much or too little pressure during the massage session. More importantly, ask him to stop if you feel pain in any area. Also, instruct him to add more lotion to his hands as needed.
Additionally, here are some vital things to know before a back massage:
- Ensure to check your skin for any sores or redness before you receive a back massage.
- Make sure your partner uses good body mechanics during the massage. That way, the muscles of the back, arms, and shoulders will be protected.
- If you observe that lotion or oil causes a rash on your skin, then it’s a good idea to stop using it.
- Avoid massaging the areas where you feel numbness or tingling in your arms or legs.
What Are The Best Types Of Massage For Lower Back Pain?
Not all massage types are effective for managing back pains. Nevertheless, mentioned below are common types of massage therapy which is effective for lower back pain:
- Swedish massage
- Craniosacral therapy
- Acupressure (shiatsu)
- Reflexology
- Rolfing
- Myofascial release
The massage types mentioned above are not only effective for lower back pain, but they’re also suitable for managing other common types of pain like neck pain.
How To Find A Massage Therapist For Back Pain
If you decide to seek the best massage therapy for your back, getting a professional massage therapist is required.
Here are a few tips for finding a professional therapist:
- Go to a massage therapy accrediting organization and request for the therapist in charge
- Ask your physician for a referral
- Go online and search for reviews of a massage therapist
- Ask family members or close friends for referrals
It’s important to state that a qualified massage therapist can help you with body pains, including lower back pain.
Alternative To Massage Session
You could be a busy person who hardly has time to visit a therapist. Or you may not have someone that can help you massage your back at home.
The good news is that you can buy a massage gun to help you take care of all your body pains, including your back pain.
With the massage gun, you can reach areas on your back that your hands won’t reach. Also, you get the flexibility to massage your back anywhere, anytime!
I recommend the Opove M3 Pro Massage Gun because I have tested it, and I can assure you it will satisfy all your needs.
Furthermore, this device is also affordable. Hence you wouldn’t worry about paying money to book a massage session whenever you need one.
Click here to read my review of the Opove M3 Pro Massage Gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can massaging back make it worse?
No, massaging your back wouldn’t make it worse. However, if your massage therapist goes too deeply and quickly into your muscles and tissues, then your back could be worse.
What is the best way to massage upper back pain?
I think the best way to massage your upper back is to make use of a massage gun. I suggest you try out the Opove M3 Pro. It’s effective, affordable, and durable.
Is it safe to massage lower back pain?
Yes, it’s safe to massage lower back pain. Besides, massage therapy is effective for pain relief. However, I strongly recommend you seek your doctor’s approval before getting a massage.
Final Words
Massage therapy is good for treating all kinds of body pains, including the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs. However, you should seek your doctor’s consent before implementing a massage treatment for both acute and chronic back pains.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is a result of in-depth research on the subject matter. This article is only for informational and educational purposes, and it’s not intended as medical or health advice. Hence, I suggest you always ensure to seek the opinion of your doctor or other qualified health personnel regarding any questions that relate to health objectives or medical conditions.
