Back Pain Can Be Treated By A Licensed Massage Therapist (lmt)

Back pain is a very common complaint across the United States. In fact, research shows that about 70 to 85 percent of adults in the US suffer from back pain at least once in their lives. It is the most common cause of limited range of motion and the need to restrict activity among people below the age of 45. Fortunately, back pain can be alleviated by massage therapy from a licensed massage therapist (LMT) who can do deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, shiatsu massage therapy, acupressure massage therapy, craniosacral massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy.

Ironically, back pain is triggered by both inactivity and too much activity. It is also triggered by wrong body movements or posture, as well as extended periods of standing or sitting and the wearing of high heels by women.

The Center for Integrative Medicine at the Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center in Los Angeles has conducted a study that showed how massage therapy is more effective than medication, self-care alone or other alternative pain treatments like acupuncture in relieving the pain of seventy five percent of research participants.

The study was participated in by 262 patients aged 20 to 70 with persistent back pain but no serious disease. Most of them had been under pain relief medication but were not being relieved of their discomfort. They were assigned randomly to a massage therapy group, an acupuncture group and a self care group. The massage therapy group was given Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and trigger point massage therapy. When assessed ten weeks after the start of treatment, the massage therapy group had experienced significantly more pain relief and showed significantly less disability as compared to the two other groups. When assessed a year after the start of treatment, the massage therapy group had the least use of pain relief medication as compared to the two other groups and still had better pain relief and less disability than the acupuncture group.

Because of so much evidence showing how effective massage therapy is in treating back pain, up to fifty four percent of all health care providers recommend that their patients add massage to their medical regimen.

It is very important, though, to ensure that massage therapy is given by a licensed massage therapist or LMT. To make sure of this, you should check the credentials and license of the therapist with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, which has a website for this purpose. Only professional licensed massage therapists know the proper massage techniques for each medical condition, including back pain. They also know what techniques are contraindicated for each situation. Going to untrained or improperly trained massage practitioners can put your health in danger and even worsen your condition.

You will find that a professional licensed massage therapist will first set a consultation with you before the massage session. Extensive and intensive questioning will enable your therapist to evaluate your condition accurately. This will be the basis for customizing the massage therapy session according to your specific health needs.

You do not have to suffer needlessly from chronic or acute back pain. Start getting relief by consulting a licensed massage therapist (LMT) who offers not only Swedish massage therapy, trigger point massage therapy and deep tissue massage therapy but also sports massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, shiatsu massage therapy, acupressure massage therapy, craniosacral massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy, as well as does insurance billing for people in auto accidents. Such a massage therapist will most likely have extensive experience and expertise to help you.