SCOLIOSIS

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Scoliosis Patients

Scoliosis, a back condition that impacts around 3% of the adolescent population worldwide, can cause tightness, discomfort, or pain. Traditionally, patients relied on bracing and surgery as the primary treatment options. However, in recent years, scoliosis patients have increasingly sought less invasive options, such as massage therapy. This shift towards massage therapy for scoliosis is mainly due to emerging research that continues to uncover new insights into the spinal condition, highlighting the benefits of alternative treatments.

As one of the leading scoliosis treatment clinics in Canada, we have firsthand experience with massage therapy’s positive impact on those suffering from scoliosis pain and discomfort. In this article, we explore the benefits of massage therapy for scoliosis patients and compare various massage techniques. 

 

Can Massage Help Scoliosis?

Does massage help scoliosis, and is it good for scoliosis? We get these types of questions a lot. 

While it’s important to clarify that massage therapy is not a cure for scoliosis, specific massage techniques can provide considerable relief from symptoms related to the condition. Massage Therapists can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being by focusing on muscles and soft tissues.

If you’re exploring ways to manage scoliosis symptoms, remember to consult an experienced healthcare professional, such as a scoliosis-trained physiotherapist or Registered Massage Therapist. This way, you’ll ensure new treatment options, including massage therapy, are appropriate for your unique situation.

Massage therapist working on a scoliosis patient

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Scoliosis

Better Sleep Due to Reduced Pain

Pain relief is one of the most significant benefits of massage therapy for scoliosis patients. Chronic pain can make finding a comfortable position difficult, meaning even if you do get sleep, the quality will be poor. Sleeping can be a challenge for many people with scoliosis. 

Massage Therapy treatments can help reduce muscle tension and pain, which can improve sleep and make you feel more rested. High-quality sleep is also vital in allowing your body to heal and function properly; therefore, better rest will boost your overall health.

 

Increased Mobility

Scoliosis curves result in asymmetrical muscle imbalances, where one side of the spine may be too stretched out, and the other side may feel tighter. Although the cause of the pain may be in these imbalanced areas, pain may be felt in other areas of the body. 

When people have scoliosis for many years, their movement patterns alter to accommodate their spinal curve, which can impact the function of the joints of the spine, shoulders, hips, and more. Registered Massage Therapy sessions performed by a scoliosis-trained professional ensure that targeted treatment areas correspond to your individual curve type instead of just chasing the pain.

If you have better mobility, decreased pain, and improved function, you can continue doing the activities you love. Take advantage of being able to partake in daily activities with less pain!

 

Heightened Circulation

Massage therapy can also improve your blood circulation. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your affected muscles, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation. Additionally, improved circulation helps remove waste products from your muscles, further reducing pain and discomfort.

massage therapy for scoliosis

Improved Flexibility

Another benefit of massage therapy is that it can improve flexibility in scoliosis patients when treatments are done in conjunction with stretching and strengthening routines. By targeting specific muscle groups, massage therapists help elongate and relax muscles that have become tight and shortened due to the curvature of the spine.

 

Better Bodily Awareness

Did you know that a lack of body awareness can be a significant detriment to managing scoliosis symptoms? One study showed that scoliosis patients who focus on improving their body awareness have an easier time managing their symptoms. 

This is why massage therapy for scoliosis can be beneficial. Massage therapy can enhance bodily awareness by helping a person become more attuned to their posture and movements. In turn, this increased awareness can encourage patients to adopt better body mechanics, reducing the strain on their spine and muscles.

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Improved Mental Health

Anyone suffering from chronic pain and physical limitations can experience a negative impact on their mental health. This is common in scoliosis patients as well. 

Massage therapy can provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience, which leads to stress reduction. The release of endorphins during a massage can improve mood and give a sense of well-being, contributing to better mental health.

Patient feelings the benefits of massage therapy for scoliosis

 

Best Massage for Scoliosis: 4 Types of Massages

Massage therapy can benefit scoliosis patients by contributing to pain management. Let’s talk about five of the more effective techniques:

 

Cranial-Sacral Therapy

Cranial-sacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, noninvasive technique focusing on the head, spinal column, and sacrum bones. By applying light pressure, therapists can help release tension and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This therapy can reduce your pain and improve mobility.

 

Deep Tissue Scoliosis Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It involves slow, firm strokes and deep finger pressure to release chronic muscle tension. This type of massage can benefit scoliosis patients with significant muscle tightness and pain.

 

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release massage focuses on the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. This technique can benefit scoliosis patients by reducing fascial tension, enhancing flexibility, and promoting a broader range of motion. This technique involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to areas of restriction to eliminate pain and restore movement.

 

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy targets specific points of tension within muscles, known as trigger points. Therapists can help release tension and alleviate pain by applying pressure to these points. This therapy can be effective for scoliosis patients experiencing localized muscle pain and tightness.

woman doing one of the best massage for scoliosis on a patient's neck

Massage Therapy for Scoliosis in Vancouver

Living with scoliosis can be taxing, both physically and mentally, but massage therapy offers a range of benefits that can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being. If you want to explore massage for scoliosis as part of your treatment plan, schedule a consultation with the experts at The ScoliClinic in Vancouver.

The ScoliClinic offers focused services tailored to all your scoliosis-related needs. Our experienced therapists have training in various techniques that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life. We work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve better health and comfort. 

Contact The ScoliClinic today to book your consultation and take the first steps to manage your scoliosis symptoms.

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