Chronic Low Back Pain Symptoms Eased With Massage Therapy

Online, October 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - People with chronic low back pain have improved symptoms, better function and few side effects with massage therapy.

400 Group Health Cooperative patients with chronic low back pain took part in the trial. Chronic in this case was defined as pain that persisted for over three months. There was no identified cause for their pain (nonspecific). They were selected at random into one of three groups:

•Structural massage group - weekly one hour sessions for 10 weeks
•Relaxation (Swedish) massage group - weekly one hour sessions for 10 weeks
•Usual care group - this group would carry on with their ongoing treatment, which usually involved drugs.

Ten weeks later, 1 in every 3 patients in the massage groups said their back pain had either gone or got much better, compared to just 1 in every 25 in the usual care group. Questionnaire feedback also showed that just over two-thirds of those in the massage groups had significantly better back function at 10 weeks compared to just over one-third in the usual care group. Those in the massage groups also spent less time laid up bed than those in the usual group; they were more active and used smaller quantities of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Joint Rehab Markham is a clinic dedicated to the health of the community through massage therapy, Acupuncture, Custom Orthotics, & Oncology Rehab. Our therapists have many years of experience and aim to provide outstanding care to each and every client.

For more information:

Joint Rehab Markham

9275 Highway 48, Unit 1B-1
Markham, ON, L6E1A1

Tel: 905-471-3535
Fax: 905-471-3835
Email: info@jointrehab.ca
Website: http://www.jointrehab.ca