By using hot stone massage for scoliosis you can lessen the symptoms and pain greatly. There are some very real benefits and if you suffer with scoliosis and have never looked into this, this article is going to be of interest to you.
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What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a serious, and potentially dangerous medical condition that affects the spine. It’s visible by the spine curving unnaturally, and forming what resembles a ‘S’ or a ‘C’.
It can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable for sufferers. Yet many never turn to massage therapy to help ease the pain and reduce the rate of the problem worsening.
Therapists use hot stone massage for scoliosis sufferers and clients and report a wide range of improvements. The aim is to work on decreasing the tension in the muscles in the back and increase blood flow and circulation.
Two positive benefits a hot stone treatment, and two ways to help with the symptoms of scoliosis. But it doesn’t stop there. There are more benefits, and more reasons why you should be booking a session at your nearest spa soon.
- Scoliosis Symptoms
- Pelvis tilting forward
- Uneven shoulders
- Back pain
- Curvature of the spine
- Difficulty standing for long periods
Massage for Scoliosis Pain
Hot stone massage is believed to be the most effective form of massage therapy for scoliosis. The warm stones work to relieve a lot of the tension in the muscles in the back. Allowing the therapist to do deep tissue work if necessary.
There should always be a good amount of oil used. The spine can be sore and painful, and the less friction the better. So the therapist will glide smoothly along the contours of the muscles.
A skilled hot stone therapist will have a wide range of techniques and motions to use. The client would have discussed their condition in length before the session. So they can tailor the session to be most effective.
Scoliosis Massage Techniques
The techniques revolve around Swedish massage hand techniques, and hot stones. Stones can either be placed on key pressure points of the body, or used by hand to rub heat into muscle groups.
The client will have talked through their condition with the therapist before treatment. This way the therapist can avoid doing anything that may be painful. And, work the areas most in need of the massage.
We all hold tension in certain areas. Particularly the back, shoulders and neck. All areas that can be affected by scoliosis. The pain relief from a massage can be more satisfying and successful that some pain medications.
The heat from the stones increases the client’s blood flow. This means that more blood and oxygen starts being pumped around the body. In particular to the areas being massaged.
This helps relieve stress and build up tension on the spine. If you have never experienced this it’s hard to explain just how satisfying the relief is. I absolutely recommend it.
Massage for Scoliosis Pain
Back pain is a symptom of scoliosis in adults and it’s can be very difficult to live with. Lumbar scoliosis in particular is difficult to manage day to day and can really take a toll on someone.
This can lead on to breathing difficulties and there can be some compromise of the heart and lungs. Anyone with this condition will tell you, it affects their standard of living.
So finding relief in the way of massage is the perfect out for most. You get to enjoy a pampering session, relax, and experience pain relief from deep within your muscles.
The only non-surgical procedures to help patients are;
- Heat treatments – like hot stone massage
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy
Massage for scoliosis pain should always be looked into. Especially if you have tried the other options. You have nothing to lose by having a few sessions to see if your pain levels decrease. Not just when you’re on the table, but in your day-to-day life too.
Scoliosis Massage Contraindications
You should always act with extreme caution. By this I mean always get the all-clear from your doctor before going for a massage therapy session.
You should disclose all your relevant medical history to your therapist before hand too. An experienced therapist will know what treatment is best based on your information.
If you suffer from hypertension or any other heart related conditions you should get the all clear with your doctor. But hot massage will likely not be permitted.
The heat increases blood flow which is can be very dangerous if you have heart issues. All the other areas of caution apply that you can find here in more detail.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.