Massage therapy has significant benefits for back pain patients. Deep tissue massage to the muscles of the low back can relieve spasm, tension and over all stiffness. Relief from this persistent tension can help restore the natural movement patterns of the spine and hips. This in turn helps expedite healing of the low back.

The positive physiological effects of massage include muscular relaxation and increased blood flow to the muscles. These both help relieve muscular pain by dispersing the lactic acid that builds up in the muscles when they get tight or spasm. Severe muscles spasms in the low back can be excruciating due to lack of blood flow, which leads to lack of oxygen and lactic acid build up (ischemic pain).

Relieving muscle tension with massage also helps neutralize muscle tone which helps prepare the muscles for back strengthen exercises. Most physical therapists use massage and soft tissue mobilization in conjunction with stretching and strengthening as part of comprehensive low back pain treatment program.

For mild back pain massage therapy may be all the treatment that is required. However back that is recurring or back pain that causes sciatica and/or cramping or tingling in the legs will require more than just massage therapy.