Managing Spinal Stenosis with Massage Therapy in New Jersey
When it comes to dealing with painful flare-ups from spinal stenosis, also known as lumbar stenosis, it is all about relaxing, loosening and lengthening of the muscle and connective tissues that directly influence the section of the spine squeezed by stenosis. One of the answers of the proven methods of accomplishing this is massage therapy, as generally defined, in various non-intrusive approaches as provided at Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy.
This form of relief does not entail direct contact with the spine as do the potential hazards of surgery or direct manipulation through so-called strengthening exercises in a gym setting. The approach of massage therapy is primarily relaxing the back to ease the discomfort of pinched nerves —one of the most obvious symptoms of advanced spinal stenosis and the painful flare-ups it generates. Veteran practitioners of massage therapy for stenosis relief will tell you it’s all about deliberate and gentle kneading of surrounding muscle and tissue with long strokes. Adding a healing and relaxing heat to the process may also be part of the recipe for easing this pain. The approach may not be limited to one type of massage. Swedish massage, one of the gentler forms, is always an option, as is the increased pressure of deep tissue massage.
Advantages of Two Massage Therapy Approaches
The benefit of deep tissue massage is easing the tension in muscles, tendons and ligaments that has accumulated due to the influence of the pain produced by spine-pinching stenosis. The result of this approach a release of pressure and calming the nervous system. Relaxing and calming are also byproducts of Swedish massage.
Painful flare-ups usually mean the presence of inflammation in the areas adjacent to the spine where the pain originates. Improving circulation in these tissues, including muscle and connective, reduces the inflammation and thereby calms the built-up tension and relieves the pain.
Medical practitioners accomplish this through anti-inflammatory drugs, but there is also the option of remedial massage for patients who prefer that the bulk of relief comes from message therapy. It should be noted that mainstream medicine is very accepting of massage therapy in dealing with decreasing quality-of-life issues triggered by spinal stenosis.
Recurrences of these painful episodes known as flare-ups may be unavoidable but, at the same time, manageable through remedial massage therapy. That means that recurring flare-ups will be minimized through massage therapy, along with components of physical therapy, including stretching and exercises that allow for flexibility and a wider range of movement for muscles, connective tissue, ligaments and tendons.
Advantages of Remedial Massage Therapy
Regular remedial massage therapy is a treatment program that works in managing anticipated flare-ups from pinched nerves resulting from spinal stenosis.
There are also lifestyle changes that those who suffer from these flare-ups can make to keep these attacks at a minimum and, at the same time, lessen the pain and discomfort resulting from these episodes.
Among the most recommended are:
- a regular stretching and exercise routine
- getting a good night’s sleep
- adhering to a balanced and nutritious diet
- maintaining a correct posture to reduce pressure
—Call us today at (201) 651-9100 for an appointment at Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy for more information about how we can help you manage spinal stenosis through massage therapy.
