Back Clinic Therapeutic Massage Team. We all want to relax. In our hectic lives, it’s hard to find time for R&R. If you deal with this in your life, a massage is in order. Massage therapy is a general term that refers to various types of soft tissue manipulation for therapeutic purposes. It involves manually working on the body with gentle pressure or through the use of mechanical aids. Depending on the way the massage is applied, it can be used to provide relaxation and well-being.
Healthcare providers recognize massage therapy as a legitimate therapy for lower back pain. It utilizes manual manipulation to improve circulation, relax muscles, improve range of motion, and increase endorphin levels. This therapy usually follows some medical treatment. Types of therapy include neuromuscular, sports, and Swedish.
For example, Neuromuscular therapy, which is the most effective treatment for low back pain, consists of alternating levels of pressure applied to muscles to alleviate the muscle spasms. First of all, make sure to drink plenty of water following a massage. With massaging procedures, the tissues of your body will be stimulated, resulting in the release of toxins.
Drinking at least 10 glasses of water throughout the day will flush out the toxins. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses within the first hour or so and then at least 8 more within the next 24 hours. In the hour following the massage, drink several glasses and then continue with eight more in the next 23 hours.
Muscle knots or trigger points are tissues/segments of muscle fibers stuck in a contracted state and balled up or become entangled. To the touch, they can feel like small bumps, nodules, or knots. They are primarily found in muscles, but they can also be found in tendons, fascia, periosteum, and ligaments. Tight muscles can limit flexibility, increase discomfort and pain symptoms, and cause further injury that can develop into chronic conditions. Trigger points can develop in all muscles and multiple muscles simultaneously. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team can create a personalized treatment plan for trigger point alleviation.
Muscle Knots Trigger Points
When muscle fibers are stuck in contraction, blood circulation decreases in and around the affected area, and the necessary nutrients and oxygen cannot be delivered. The excessive accumulation of the chemicals – acetylcholine, and calcium leads to a lack of oxygen in the area, which causes muscle fiber contraction and spasms. As the muscle fibers overly contract, they form a knot. Waste materials build up in the fibers as the blocked circulation doesn’t allow removal. This irritates the trigger point, which reacts by sending out pain signals. The brain responds by telling the body not to use that muscle, causing the muscle to tighten, become weak, and lose range of motion. The other muscles have to work harder to compensate.
Trigger Point Types
Active and Latent
One type is an active trigger point.
The trigger point causes pain and discomfort even when the muscle or tissue rests.
The other type is latent, which means that the point does not cause pain or is sometimes even noticed until pressure is applied to the point or area.
Because key trigger point muscles are weakened, the muscles around that point need to work harder, causing multiple knots to form.
Referred pain happens when a satellite trigger point causes sensations in a different area from the point itself.
Causes
The main causes include the following:
Direct Trauma
Muscle trauma or injury can cause fibers not to heal properly, causing segments to stay deprived of oxygen and knotted.
Excessive and Extended Exercising
During exercise/physical activity, profound muscle strain and injury can occur from pushing too hard for too long without proper recovery and repair.
Maintaining Healthy Posture
Unhealthy postures can cause tension, stiffness, and aches and pains.
Stress and Fatigue
Emotional and physical stress takes a toll on the body, which can result in excessive muscle contraction.
Most of the time, it happens subconsciously without realizing that the body is tensing up.
This is why engaging in relaxation activities, including therapeutic massage, is important.
Inactivity
Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle can cause muscle spasms and over-contracting, leading to muscle knots.
Medical Conditions
Conditions that affect muscles, like arthritis and fibromyalgia or medications, can cause muscle spasms and the development of trigger points.
Chiropractic and Massage Therapy
Chiropractic and therapeutic massage is an effective treatment to relieve muscle knots and symptoms and restore the body to optimal function. Massage uses various techniques to increase blood circulation, break down inflexible scar tissue and stretch and loosen muscles. Pain and discomfort decrease by allowing the muscles to move and restoring blood flow.
Massage Therapy Chiropractic Care
References
Barbero, Marco, et al. “Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points: evaluation and treatment in patients with musculoskeletal pain.” Current Opinion in Supportive and palliative care vol. 13,3 (2019): 270-276. doi:10.1097/SPC.0000000000000445
Cheung, Karoline, et al. “Delayed onset muscle soreness: treatment strategies and performance factors.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 33,2 (2003): 145-64. doi:10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005
Money, Sarah. “Pathophysiology of Trigger Points in Myofascial Pain Syndrome.” Journal of Pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy vol. 31,2 (2017): 158-159. doi:10.1080/15360288.2017.1298688
Moraska, Albert F et al. “Responsiveness of Myofascial Trigger Points to Single and Multiple Trigger Point Release Massages: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” American Journal of physical medicine & Rehabilitation vol. 96,9 (2017): 639-645. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000000728
Weerapong, Pornratshanee, et al. “The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 35,3 (2005): 235-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
Massage is part of integrative medicine and can be used for various medical conditions. In massage therapy, a therapist rubs and kneads the body’s soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Individuals often start feeling the effects right away. One of the benefits is increased temperature. Increased temperature amplifies blood flow and circulation, enabling muscular and connective tissues to release restriction, and muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve movement. A massage therapist will use different techniques to increase the temperature to treat various conditions.
Increased Temperature
Some patients want to know why their muscles heat up or burn during a massage. Muscles burn because of the accumulation of waste in the cells. The waste products are released as a result of massage. The muscles release lactate, a byproduct of glucose. The effects of deep tissue massage are almost the same as the effects of exercise. During the massage:
The demand for oxygen in the tissues increases.
Because of this, blood flow circulation to these tissues increases.
This is necessary to supply oxygen and glucose.
It excretes waste substances and toxins.
Muscle heat or burn during massage differs for everybody. Some individuals don’t feel it at all. The session can be so intense that the muscles can’t clear the lactate/toxins fast enough, causing the burning sensation.
Fascia Circulation
The temperature of the fascia can also be increased. Fascia is the thick, fibrous layer of connective tissues beneath the skin that can often become restrictive. Increased temperature in the superficial and deep tissues releases, relaxes, and loosens tight, tense, shortened, and/or injured areas, allowing muscular tissues to increase in elasticity, flexibility, and relaxation. Heart rate is raised, improving circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and the rest of the body.
Myofascial release involves slowly applying pressure to the area using flattened hands and fingers.
The slow, soft pressure increases the temperature of the fascia.
As the hands and fingers get deeper within, they slowly move around, spreading the fascia.
This releases the tightness and relieves the pain.
An individual’s posture can improve when the temperature is increased. Muscular tension and tightness can cause increased pain symptoms, not allowing healthy posture.
Muscle Burn Relief
Rehydrate
Drink plenty of water after the session is over.
Water maintains proper circulation for excreting waste products and nourishes the muscle cells with fresh nutrients and oxygen.
Avoid coffee and alcohol as they increase urination and blood osmolality and dehydrate the body.
Stretching
Stretching before and after a session can relieve muscle soreness.
Stretching exercises increase blood flow.
Stimulates the release of synovial fluid around the joints.
Sleep
Get plenty of rest after a session.
The body knows how to restore itself; during sleep, it reduces cortisol secretion.
It increases the stimulation of antioxidative hormones to go after free radicals.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies like ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon increase blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling.
They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle burn and soreness.
After a session, a little peppermint or CBD oil can relieve the sore parts.
Chiropractic Success Story
References
Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249.
Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004.
Individuals can experience back muscle rigidity for years and not realize it. This is because the muscles tighten incrementally, and slowly the body begins to acclimate to the feeling and positioning that it becomes normal. And it continues with gradually increased aches and pains. Not until an individual has experienced a therapeutic massage and chiropractic adjustment do they realize just how tight and stiff they were. This is when individuals realize how their musculoskeletal system works and need to maintain loose, flexible muscle tissue for mobility and function. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can treat, rehabilitate, educate, and improve an individual’s overall health.
Muscle Rigidity
When the body needs to move, the brain sends a nerve signal to the muscles in that region, causing the muscles to tighten or contract. Muscles can contract a little or a lot, depending on the activity. After contracting, the muscles relax until the next time they are needed. Muscle rigidity happens when a muscle or a group of muscles stays fully or partly contracted for an extended period. The nerve signals keep telling the muscle to contract even when the muscle is no longer needed. This can last for several hours or days.
The longer the muscle remains contracted, the more symptoms present and persist. Muscle rigidity is often triggered by stress. Stress affects the body’s nervous system, including nerves and their function. The nervous system can respond to stress by generating additional pressure on the blood vessels, reducing blood circulation, and causing tension and pain.
Causes
Certain medications, such as statins, can cause muscle rigidity, and several conditions can also contribute to it. These include:
Dehydration is a condition as a result of not drinking enough water.
A repetitive strain injury is an injury to the muscles or nerves due to muscle overuse.
Pinched nerves.
Delayed-onset muscle soreness is stiffness and pain that develops hours or days after strenuous physical activity and exercise.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue, sleep problems, and pain.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic disorder where pressure on sensitive muscle points causes pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the joints.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that can cause muscle soreness, pain, and rigidity.
Claudication is a condition in which cramping occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the muscles, usually in the legs.
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever wick-borne illnesses that can cause nerve damage.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that causes nerve problems and a loss of voluntary muscle control.
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a muscle and nerve condition that causes pain and swelling.
Dystonia is a condition that causes random/involuntary muscle contractions.
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause joint pain and stiffness.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that affects movement.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause muscle pain and stiffness.
Bacterial and Viral infections.
Treatment
The objective of treatment is to train the muscles to relax completely. The specific treatment used can vary depending on the cause and severity.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment will address the condition or injury and then the muscle rigidity. Treatment involves massaging (manually and percussively) the areas to relax and stretch the tight tissues. Chiropractic releases and realigns the misaligned joints and bones to their proper position. The central nervous system recognizes the new positioning as naturally energy efficient. However, there will still be aches and soreness as the body adjusts until it becomes more consistent and normal for the individual.
Home Therapy
Home therapy is recommended with physical therapy and/or chiropractic to maintain flexibility and make necessary changes/adjustments to a treatment plan as the patient progresses and the muscles start to adhere to the massaging, manipulation, and training. They can include the following:
Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area increases circulation.
Targeted gentle stretches.
Avoiding certain activities that could trigger the muscle to become rigid again until the body is ready.
Chandwani D, Varacallo M. Exertional Compartment Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544284/
Chu, Eric Chun-Pu et al. “Chiropractic care of Parkinson’s disease and deformity.” Journal of medicine and life vol. 15,5 (2022): 717-722. doi:10.25122/jml-2021-0418
Joshi, Aditi et al. “Effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) vs. High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement in College Students With Trapezius Myalgia.” Cureus vol. 14,10 e29898. 4 Oct. 2022, doi:10.7759/cureus.29898
Tan, Xueli, et al. “The efficacy of music therapy protocols for decreasing pain, anxiety, and muscle tension levels during burn dressing changes: a prospective randomized crossover trial.” Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association vol. 31,4 (2010): 590-7. doi:10.1097/BCR.0b013e3181e4d71b
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The veins transport blood back to the heart, and the valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward. When the veins have difficulties sending blood from the limbs back to the heart, this is known as venous insufficiency. With this condition, the blood does not flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to accumulate in the veins of the legs. Chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and functional medicine can increase and improve circulation and help manage symptoms.
Venous Insufficiency
The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the cells in the body. This system consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. When blood circulation is restricted, it can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products, which can cause various health problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Unhealthy circulation can also contribute to other health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The most common causes of venous insufficiency include:
Blood clots
Varicose veins
A family history of venous insufficiency.
Deep vein thrombosis.
When forward flow through the veins is obstructed, such as in the case of a blood clot, blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency.
In varicose veins, the valves can be missing or damaged, and blood leaks back through the defective valves.
In some cases, weakness in the leg muscles that push blood forward can also contribute to venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency is more common in women than men and is more likely in adults over 50.
Circulation Symptoms
There are different symptoms associated with unhealthy circulation, and can include:
A doctor will perform a physical examination and take a complete medical history. They may order imaging tests to locate the source of the problem. These tests may include a venogram or a duplex ultrasound.
Venogram
A doctor will insert an intravenous contrast dye into the veins.
Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, which helps the doctor see them on the image.
This dye will give the doctor a clear image of the blood vessels.
Duplex Ultrasound
A duplex ultrasound tests the speed and direction of blood circulation in the veins.
A technician will place gel on the skin and press a small hand-held instrument on and around the area.
The instrument uses sound waves that bounce back to a computer and produce images of blood circulation.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on various factors, including the reason for the condition and individual health status and history. Other factors a doctor will consider include:
These special stockings apply pressure on the ankle and lower leg.
They help improve blood circulation and reduce leg swelling.
Compression stockings come in a range of prescription strengths and lengths.
Strategies
Treatments can include several methods.
Improving Circulation
Chiropractic adjustments and vascular massage therapy on the legs can help improve blood circulation. Massage therapies such as vascular and lymphatic drainage massages aim to increase circulation, improve tissue nutrition, and can benefit patients with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
The technique for lymphatic drainage involves light strokes to move lymph fluid into lymph vessels.
The technique used to improve circulation involves short strokes to move blood from the valves to the veins.
However, massage therapy is not for all patients with vein diseases and conditions.
Massage therapy is not recommended for patients with advanced-stage vein disease, in which large and bulging veins, ulcerations, and discoloration are present.
Massaging the area could cause the weakened veins to burst, worsening the condition.
Massage therapy is also unsafe for patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot and cause it to travel.
Medications
Medications may be prescribed. These include:
Diuretics – medications that draw extra fluid from the body and are excreted through the kidneys.
Anticoagulants – medicines that thin the blood.
Pentoxifylline – medicine that helps improve blood circulation.
Surgery
More serious cases may require surgery. A doctor may suggest one of the following surgical procedures:
Surgical repair of the veins or valves.
Removing the damaged vein.
Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery – The surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera to see and tie off damaged veins.
Laser surgery – A treatment that uses laser light to fade or close off damaged veins.
Vein bypass – A healthy vein is transplanted from a different body area. Generally used only in the upper thigh and as a last option for severe cases.
Venous Insufficiency: What You Need To Know
References
Annamaraju P, Baradhi KM. Pentoxifylline. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559096/
Evrard-Bras, M et al. “Drainage lymphatique manuel” [Manual lymphatic drainage]. La Revue du praticien vol. 50,11 (2000): 1199-203.
FIELDS, A. “Leg cramps.” California medicine vol. 92,3 (1960): 204-6.
Felty, Cindy L, and Thom W Rooke. “Compression therapy for chronic venous insufficiency.” Seminars in vascular surgery vol. 18,1 (2005): 36-40. doi:10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2004.12.010
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Varicose veins.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350649
Patel SK, Surowiec SM. Venous Insufficiency. [Updated 2022 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430975/
Youn, Young Jin, and Juyong Lee. “Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins of the lower extremities.” The Korean journal of internal medicine vol. 34,2 (2019): 269-283. doi:10.3904/kjim.2018.230
There is a multitude of reasons why back muscles tighten and stiffen up. Muscles pull the bones and joints. Overuse and/or injuries can pull the bones, joints, and tendons out of place, thus causing the muscles to stay in a flexed or stretched position, the inability for the muscles to relax and return to their normal position, resulting in symptoms of discomfort, stiffness, and pain. Individuals can have reoccurring bouts of tight muscles, eventually becoming chronic. Chronic muscle tension can pull the spine out of alignment even if there is no specific injury. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Wellness Team can relieve tight back muscle tension and restore positioning, mobility, and function.
Muscles are the Key
Muscles make the body move and greatly impact the skeletal and nervous systems. When a muscle is overstretched or pulled, there is not just injury to the muscles but the potential for injury to the bones and tendons in the area. This, in turn, can pinch nerves and cause problems with the nervous system, especially in pain signal transmissions.
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity. The most common include:
Constant or chronic muscle achiness, soreness, stiffness, and tightness.
Even after stretching or flexing, there is a dull aching or pain.
More serious symptoms may include:
Electrical or burning sensations
Sharp or stabbing pain.
Weakness in the legs or arms
Tingling or numbness in the legs, arms, or chest.
Chest discomfort symptoms.
Causes
Aging
The older a person is, the more likely they will experience back discomfort symptoms. Back issues most likely occur in 30- to 50-year-olds.
The aging process naturally wears the body.
Thinning bones
Muscle mass reduction
Fluid loss between joints in the spine.
All these can cause back issues and problems.
Unhealthy posture
Constant pressure on the spine can lead to general back discomfort symptoms. Practicing unhealthy posture can generate this pressure. The muscles and ligaments must work harder to keep the body balanced because the muscles are out of position, and the other muscles can’t perform their job properly. Overworking and overuse lead to tight back muscles, aches, and pain.
Muscle sprain or strain
Sprains are the tearing or stretching of ligaments. Strains are the tearing or stretching of muscles and tendons. Lifting heavy objects without proper form can easily cause a back sprain or strain. Sprains and strains can also occur after an awkward, sudden, or jerking movement.
Herniated disc
A herniated, slipped, or ruptured disc puts pressure on a nerve/s. This can stress the surrounding muscles causing tension to build up.
Fall or other injuries
Tight back muscles can result from the following:
A fall
Vehicle accident
Force Trauma
Sports accident
Weight gain
Added weight stresses and pulls the body down. This causes unhealthy posture and muscle tension.
Chiropractic Functional Wellness
Usually, tight muscles can be relieved with a hot bath or cold therapy. Reoccurring bouts of, or chronically tense back muscles, are signals that something is wrong and should not be ignored. Chiropractic care can release and relax tight back muscles and get them back into a natural state by re-aligning the spine through tissue manipulation, decompression, massage, and adjustments. The various treatment methods will relieve the discomfort, pain, tension, and realign the spinal column, and strengthen the body. When spinal components are put back into their proper place, the surrounding muscles no longer need to provide a counter-balance to the misalignment and begin to relax. Chiropractors can also recommend ways to improve posture and strengthen muscles to incur less wear and tear.
Chiropractic Back Therapy
References
Furlan, Andrea D et al. “Complementary and alternative therapies for back pain II.” Evidence report/technology assessment,194 (2010): 1-764.
Geneen, Louise J et al. “Physical activity and exercise for chronic pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane Reviews.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 4,4 CD011279. 24 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011279.pub3
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Back pain: Symptoms. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/basics/symptoms/con-20020797
Miake-Lye, Isomi M et al. “Massage for Pain: An Evidence Map.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 25,5 (2019): 475-502. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0282
Nahian, Ahmed, et al. “Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Facial Muscle Energy, Direct MFR, and BLT Procedure – for TMJ Dysfunction.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 12 September 2022.
Rahman Shiri, Jaro Karppinen, Päivi Leino-Arjas, Svetlana Solovieva, Eira Viikari-Juntura, The Association Between Obesity and Low Back Pain: A Meta-Analysis, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 171, Issue 2, 15 January 2010, Pages 135–154, doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwp356
A certified/licensed massage therapist performs chiropractic therapeutic massage under the direction of a chiropractor to soothe tense muscles, release pressure on the nerve/s, break up scar tissue, and stimulate the release of endorphins. Studies have shown that a therapeutic chiropractic massage is as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief caused by various musculoskeletal conditions, including sciatica. Although medications can work for a time, they do not deal with the underlying cause of sciatica.
Sciatica Massage
A sciatica massage offers several benefits that include the following:
Improved and increased blood circulation.
Lowered blood pressure.
Release of hormones that help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain.
Relieves body discomfort and soreness by decreasing the activation of pain receptors in the spine and muscles.
Inflammation alleviation.
Muscle stress relief.
Muscle relaxation.
Flare-up relief and prevention.
Improves sleep.
Massage Types
Each type of massage is designed for a different purpose.
Manual Manipulation
Improves mobility and reduces pain.
Stretches tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Mobilization
Focuses on the musculoskeletal system to improve mobility.
Connective Tissue
A deeper massage that targets connective tissues like ligaments and tendons.
Deep Tissue Massage
Designed to reach the deep layers to realign the muscles and fascia.
Myofascial Massage
Releases trigger points, adhesions, and nerve endings.
Healing Phases
Most cases of sciatica resolve in less than 4 to 6 weeks with conservative treatment. More severe cases with neurologic symptoms can have a longer recovery period.
Phase One
Alleviates discomfort, numbness, tingling, pain, and other symptoms.
The pain is reduced so the chiropractor and therapists can begin to address the cause, although the other symptoms and sensations could still be experienced.
If muscle spasms are present, they will be less frequent and with less intensity.
Phase Two
The individual can focus on functioning within their normal environment.
The chiropractor and therapists examine if they can get up and stand from a chair without problems, get in and out of a car, sit for longer periods, and walk with less discomfort.
A reflex test will be performed to analyze how the healing process is coming along.
If there is significant nerve damage, reflexes could be lessened.
For example, if sciatic inflammation is present, and the Achilles tendon is tapped with a reflex hammer, there could be little or no movement of the calf muscles.
If there is an improvement, there will be a healthy reflex.
The straight leg test will show if the individual can lift their leg with little or no pain.
Phase Three
The final healing phase provides the ability of normal movements and full strength.
This is when the individual can resume normal activities, specifically, those stopped because of the pain.
This can include walking, driving, house chores, sports, or working out.
Contact our office for treatment options customized to the individual and their injury.
Sciatica?
References
Camino Willhuber GO, Piuzzi NS. Straight Leg Raise Test. [Updated 2022 June 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539717/
Chang C, Jeno SH, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Piriformis Muscle. [Updated 2022 October 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519497/
Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
Marian Majchrzycki, Piotr Kocur, Tomasz Kotwicki, “Deep Tissue Massage and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial,” The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, Article ID 287597, 7 pages, 2014. doi.org/10.1155/2014/287597
Miller, Kenneth Jeffrey. “Physical assessment of lower extremity radiculopathy and sciatica.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,2 (2007): 75-82. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.001
The body’s musculoskeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. These parts get pushed to the extreme with everyday wear and tear, job, school, house chores, and tasks. All the flexing and contracting cause tightness, strain, and soreness that can contribute to negative muscle behavior that holds the muscles in an unhealthy position and in a semi-flexed or tightened state. An example is an unhealthy posture that becomes the norm for an individual. A percussive massage can release tightness, maintain flexibility, relieve discomfort, alleviate stress, and improve circulation.
Percussive Massage Therapy
A percussive/percussion massage is a form of physical therapy that utilizes vibration through repeated pressure bursts to massage muscles. Percussive therapy offers more control over targeted muscle groups than foam rollers and other static massagers. The treatment involves using an electric massage device to relieve muscle tension. Different massage heads for various therapeutic purposes move rapidly and forcefully, applying pressure directly to the soft tissues while the vibrations help release and loosen the areas.
How The Massage Works
Fascia, which wraps around the muscles and joints, can become tight and inflamed, causing soreness and pain.
Research shows that tight fascia can limit mobility and proper range of motion.
When a muscle group is stiff and limits the range of motion of a specific part of the body, the rest of the muscles and body will overcompensate. This increases the risk of serious injury.
Percussive therapy loosens the tissues and increases blood circulation.
Once the stiffness and soreness are relieved, continued percussive therapy can prevent tightness from reforming, improve the range of motion, and speed up muscle recovery.
Massage guns can penetrate up to an inch into the soft tissue, stimulating the muscles and helping release tension.
Benefits
Improved mobility
Percussive massage distributes the thickened fascia fluid to relieve pressure and tightness.
Repeated pressure at high speed thins the fluids, making the fascia more workable so the muscles can move easily and efficiently.
Reduced Soreness
Lactic acid builds up in the muscles after working, physical activity, and exercise.
This build-up causes soreness and pain.
The percussion forces muscle fibers to release the lactic acid, reducing the soreness.
Decreased DOMS/Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
It’s common to experience pain and soreness 24 to 72 hours after unfamiliar physical activity, such as a new job, exercise routine, or rehabilitation after injury or surgery.
This is known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS, which results from tiny muscle fiber tears.
Percussive therapy increases skin temperature, blood flow, and hormonal responses to reduce inflammation and pain.
Increases Relaxation
After work, school, physical activities, and working out, a percussive massage session can help the body wind down and relax.
A percussive massage will help the muscles release and relax when the body is exhausted or overwhelmed.
How To Use A Percussive Massager
Before starting a new medical treatment, including percussion therapy, talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor.
Ensure you know the difference between normal muscle soreness and pain from an injury.
Don’t use a massager on an injured muscle or body part, as the aggressive motion could aggravate the injury.
Avoid using the device on bones or joints.
Never use a massage gun directly on the neck; perform the massage on the shoulders and upper back.
Start with the lowest intensity level.
The low and medium settings should provide plenty of power for most users.
As you become more comfortable with the device, you’ll understand how your body reacts then you can try out the higher settings.
A percussive massager should be used in short bursts on small, targeted areas.
It is recommended to perform treatments for only a few minutes.
Seeing the muscles turning reddish during the massage signals that blood is flowing and it’s time to move on to another area.
If the massage gun makes the skin sore or sensitive, make tiny circles instead of holding the massager in one spot.
Combined with chiropractic and professional massage, percussive therapy can help individuals maintain a relaxed musculoskeletal system.
Best Massage Guns
References
Cafarelli, E et al. “Vibratory massage and short-term recovery from muscular fatigue.” International journal of sports medicine vol. 11,6 (1990): 474-8. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1024840
Cerciello, Simone, et al. “Clinical applications of vibration therapy in orthopedic practice.” Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal vol. 6,1 147-56. 19 May. 2016, doi:10.11138/mltj/2016.6.1.147
Cheatham, Scott W et al. “Mechanical Percussion Devices: A Survey of Practice Patterns Among Healthcare Professionals.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 16,3 766-777. 2 Jun. 2021, doi:10.26603/001c.23530
García-Sillero, Manuel et al. “Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment on Movement Velocity during Resistance Training.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,15 7726. 21 Jul. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18157726
Jack Martin, “A critical evaluation of percussion muscle gun therapy as a rehabilitation tool focusing on lower limb mobility.” A literature review. Department of Health and Wellbeing. The University of Winchester. osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/j9ya8/
Imtiyaz, Shagufta et al. “To Compare the Effect of Vibration Therapy and Massage in Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).” Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR vol. 8,1 (2014): 133-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971
Konrad, Andreas et al. “The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance.” Journal of sports science & medicine vol. 19,4 690-694. 19 Nov. 2020
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
Muscles are the Key
