New research on scoliosis is revealing that there are many treatment options available for those who suffer from the condition. Some of these treatments include bracing and spinal fusion, which have been in use for decades but seem to be losing their popularity as more effective less-invasive methods become known.
Many patients suffering from scoliosis want a method other than traditional braces or spinal fusion surgery because they believe it will improve their quality of life without having such major side effects as pain and decreased mobility.
Newer procedures do not involve any cutting into bone so recovery time tends to go much quicker, allowing one’s normal day-to-day activities sooner after surgery takes place.
People who are experiencing scoliosis know about the chronic back pain that often accompanies it. This is why massage therapy for scoliosis has been gaining attention for its ability to reduce this type of discomfort and make daily tasks more tolerable.
A skilled therapist can use a combination of techniques, like massages with sustained pressure or positioning, as well as stretching movements in order to help balance out your sore muscles so you feel relief from both symptoms simultaneously!
Massage therapy in Gateshead for scoliosis is not a cure, but medical research has found that it can provide relief from pain and other symptoms. There are two primary types of treatment involving massage – cranial sacral therapy where you focus on the head and neck; also there’s also deep tissue massage, which targets tight muscles in your back. Some people may find one type may work better than the other. What works best depends on each person’s experience with their condition.
What is Scoliosis or Curvature of the Spine?
Scoliosis is a condition of the spine that causes it to curve left or right into an “S” shape, as opposed to forwards and backwards curves we are all familiar with. It can affect balance and can lead to various health complications, including breathing problems from pressure on the lungs and trouble with bowel movements all due to changes to the structure of the body which houses these organs. Here are some of the complications patients may experience:
- Difficult, stiff movement
- Sore, painful muscles
- Muscle weakness
- Hunch back
- Sensation changes due to nerve impingement
- Lung and heart problems in more extreme cases
Though some cases of scoliosis involve mild curves, it is still important to take the necessary precautions. If left untreated as it is starting to develop, especially if you are a teenager, the spine can continue to curve leading to the damage and pain that can lead to permanent disability in more severe conditions.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Most people who have scoliosis don’t know the cause. For about 20% of cases, doctors can point to a definite root condition and those are classified as structural or non-structural.
Structural scoliosis causes the spine to bend into a rigid curve that cannot be corrected. The underlying conditions can vary from muscle spasms, bone growth abnormalities, or more serious spinal injuries like fractures and tumours. Other conditions might involve:
- Birth defects
- Cerebral palsy
- Infections
- Marfan’s or Down Syndrome, or similar genetic disorders
- Birth defects
- Tumours
- Muscular dystrophy
Here are several types of massage techniques that are effective against scoliosis:
Cranial-Sacral Therapy
Cranial-sacral therapy is a gentle treatment that improves your ability to function, by improving the balance of restricted tissue around and within the spine.
The therapist will gently mobilize this tissue in order to improve its mobility throughout your body. This often relieves pain associated with inflammation or compression from an injury such as whiplash or herniated discs.
This therapy offers relief for individuals suffering from chronic conditions like headaches and insomnia. It works by balancing out spinal restrictions caused due to injuries sustained through accidents, falls, or degenerative issues related to neuropathy disorders.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue work, assisted stretching, and neuromuscular therapy all help relax the spine.
This will relieve muscular pain that may be a result of tight muscles or lack of flexibility in some areas such as the neck because it helps elongate tightened muscle tissues to release tension.
Swedish Massage
One of the most popular types of massage, involving many techniques. These include kneading, tapping, and long strokes which are all designed to break up lactic acid build-up in muscles as well as stimulate your nervous system for maximum relaxation.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release is a technique that focuses on opening up stiff areas in the tough membranes that wrap around and support muscles.
It is a particular type of therapy/treatment for people who have chronic pain or discomfort due to injuries. This treatment aims at freeing up tight tissue by using hands-on techniques such as gentle stretching combined with pressure applied over muscle groups concentrated along our spine, chest wall, and shoulders area.
Benefits of Massage for Scoliosis Patients
The benefits of massage therapy go beyond pain relief. Studies have shown that for scoliosis patients, regular massages can help with their daily living and make them feel less self-conscious in front of others by boosting their confidence levels. Here are some of its benefits:
Enhanced mobility
Massage therapy is a powerful treatment option for many ailments, including back pain. The soothing and relaxing feel can greatly improve spinal mobility in addition to relieving muscle tension across the back.
Heightened body awareness
Being mindful of your body will allow you to make better choices in life, which can help with resolving the progression of scoliosis.
One study found that patients who focused on building a deeper awareness of their bodies were able to reduce symptoms and live more fully without pain because they could change movement habits leading to functional scoliosis.
Massage therapy is one way for people’s minds and body connection to become stronger through deep touch. So when we are no longer aware of our muscles it usually means there is something wrong happening internally since massage therapists use pressure points throughout the muscles and joints.
Increased circulation
It’s time to rejuvenate your body with a therapeutic massage. This is not only relaxing but can also help relieve pain and promote healing!
The relief of tension that results from the stretching of tense muscles combined with increased blood flow throughout the system will dramatically increase flexibility as well as support muscle recovery in those around the spine.
Better sleep
It is a common misconception that it’s easy to find comfort when sleeping with scoliosis. However, many people suffer from insomnia because of their condition and are looking for relief in the form of massage sessions twice per week.
Enriched mental health
Massage has been shown to be a helpful treatment, as it reduces the mind’s activity and provides energy for healing. It also loosens up tension from both your mental state and physical body that can act to reduce scoliosis symptoms in patients who’ve received therapy.
Treating Scoliosis Pain and Discomfort With Massage Therapy
Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that most often appears during the growth spurt before puberty. It’s quite common, but many cases are mild enough to display few or no symptoms.
In extreme cases, however, these defects become more severe as the child grows and in previous years braces and surgery were used for treatment options, but new research has shown massage therapy can be effective too!
Massage therapy is a treatment that has been shown to reduce chronic pain for many patients. Skilled massage therapists combine various techniques, positions, pressure, and stretch in order to balance the muscles surrounding your spine and other parts of your body.
Massage therapy cannot cure or correct scoliosis but it often alleviates any physical discomfort caused by its curvature because it relieves stress on the affected spinal cord area due to having too much weight put on one side at all times with each step you take.