Massage Therapy…Relax Your Way To Relief!
One of the back pain relief methods that I subscribe to most is definitely massage therapy. Massage has a very nice list of benefits to your back, including:
1. Improving circulation throughout your body.
Massage can reduce ishemia (lack of blow flow), which improves the endurance of your muscles, and thus their job of stabilizing your lower back. Move blood flow and endurance equals less pain!
2. Reducing or eliminating adhesions and scar tissue.
Both adhesions and scar tissue in muscles cause decreased blood flow and decreases strength. Massage therapy is an effective method for reducing these that may be found in your back muscles.
3. Improving muscle imbalances.
Massage therapy, when applied to your unique muscle balance, is very effective. When you relax your “tight” muscles, such as the psoas (hip flexor) and quadriceps (front of thigh) can reduce anterior pelvic tilt.
Bottom line…..Massage Therapy = Less back pain!
–Sam Visnic
Welcome back!
Ice vs. Heat, whats better for lower back pain?
The age old question, ice or heat?
Each of these therapeutic modalities has good benefits, but here are my rules for each:
Ice:
Ice is really good for acute injuries or inflammation. Ice serves to constrict blood vessels, therefore cut off inflammation. For example, if you just sprained an ankle, or twisted a knee, and it is in the initial stages of inflammation. In terms of using ice for your lower back, the only time I have seen it work well is for strains. So, for example if you lift too much and you feel like your back is starting to tighten up, and gets an achy, burning type of sensation, not really pain, but just tightness.
Heat:
Heat is my favorite choice for chronic pain. Once you are out of the inflammatory phase, most back pain is caused by a lack of blood flow, generally referred to as “ischemia”. Application of heat pads, or packs, causes dilation of blood vessels. This is an ideal therapeutic intervention for aching lower back pain It is also an excellent modality to use just prior to corrective stretching or exercises. muscles.
When Static Back Pain Exercises Cause Pain
Static exercises (where there is no movement, rather a specific position is being “held”) are commonly given at the beginning of any good back pain rehabilitation program, however, there is a time and a place for everything.
One of the times to not overuse static exercises is when your back pain is coming from ischemia. Ischemia essentially occurs when muscles are short, tight, lack proper blood flow, and are tender to light pressure.
When a muscle is not getting good blood flow, static exercises can cause “hit and miss” results. Meaning that sometimes when the exercises are performed, you may feel better, while at other times, the SAME exercises can make you feel worse!
In this situation, movement exercises are more appropriate.
Sam Visnic–
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"Having someone like Sam to refer my patients to who is as comprehensive, brilliant and caring as he is makes my job so much easier!! I feel assured that my patients are in good hands and are going to get the results they so desperately want. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is looking to resolve their back pain easily and effectively!”
-Dr. Holly Lucille N.D., R.N. -
“I've used Sam on more than one occasion to help me with back pain issues. As a full time web designer I often spent too many hours sitting behind the pc which led to chronic back pain. I started working with Sam a few years ago and his knowledge and insight helped me to alleviate my back pain issues and even improve my posture. Whenever I start to have back pain issues I just re-implement the tools and techniques he showed to me and in no time my back pain goes away. He really is the back pain specialist!”
-Jimmy Powell
Owner, Stellar Media Group -
“Sam is an excellent mind/body fitness coach & trainer. When it comes to eliminating complex back problems, Sam's your man. He is passionate about his work and dedicated to healing his clients. I highly recommend his services.”
-Michelle Armstrong
Author, "Manage Your Mind, Master Your Life" -
“In my experience it is rare to find a health practitioner who consistently cures the underlying issues, and successfully drives to total wellness. Sam has become our trusted family 'health support system' because he is one of those rare people. He has successfully helped my mother in law, sister, wife, daughter, and myself cure what western medicine has been unable to. We highly recommend Sam ... plus he's a cool guy !”
-Tim Parsey
Microsoft Partner, Dir UX -
“I was so impressed when working with Sam, from his detailed and thorough evaluation, to the great workouts and home exercises prescribed. I've referred a number of people to Sam and in the past we've used his DVD for gifts to patients for home care. I strongly recommend Sam's services and hope to be working with him personally at some time in the near future.
-Dr. Matt Costantino
HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab