If you ask a simple man in the street, far from medicine and everything connected with it, about whether it is possible to do massage for scoliosis of the spine, the answer will be in the affirmative. But is this really so, and in what cases can one count on an absolute victory over this disease, and in which there is a risk of harming even more, one can figure it out only by learning all the features of the course of such a disease as scoliosis. After all, often a person who has been diagnosed, or even several at once, rushes headlong to follow all the recommendations of doctors, take all the medicines that are prescribed, and even follow the advice of all compassionate neighbors and relatives. And there are those who are in no hurry to draw up a plan of action to combat the disease, hoping that everything will heal on its own.
Basic and important about the disease
Scoliosis is a common disease that manifests itself as a visible deformation of the spine in the frontal plane, that is, to the right or left, with its inherent torsion of the vertebrae. Two types of scoliosis are defined: simple (with one curve) and complex (with two or more curves). In addition to the problemsassociated with aesthetic issues, this condition leads to malfunctioning of deformed organs, and subsequently to serious diseases. So, alveolar ventilation is disturbed, then, under the influence of hypoxia, there are difficulties in the full work of the heart and oxygen starvation of the heart muscle, brain, and skeletal muscles. Perhaps the main side effect of scoliosis is constant discomfort and back pain that haunts even at night.
The curvature of the spine begins to develop during periods of intensive growth and active hormonal changes, namely at 6-7 and 12-15 years. The reason for this is an underdeveloped muscular corset, caused either by low mobility or a lack of nutrients, as well as diseases such as rickets, polio. Experienced doctors and holders of scientific degrees believe that, according to the physiological characteristics of the human body, an upright position and walking on legs is already a constant burden that a weak body cannot fully cope with.
Massage as part of a comprehensive approach
The main condition for a successful outcome with the ability to correct even the visible degree of the disease is, first of all, maintaining a he althy lifestyle. Only after passing a full medical examination, after consulting with several specialists, it is possible to draw up a course of treatment measures, taking into account all the permissible loads on an individual basis.
As a rule, in addition to spinal massage for scoliosis,no less effective exercise therapy, physiotherapy, medication course. Modern developments in healing methods offer classes on special simulators that have proven their right to exist by the majority of satisfied and pain-free patients. But massage stands apart among all the components of the course of treatment. No wonder it was practiced in antiquity, and to this day it has not lost its relevance.
Due to the demand for this procedure, the market for proposals is very rich. Masseurs are now in great demand, even with an experience of several sessions. At first glance, they know not only how to do massage for scoliosis, but even master various exotic techniques. But do not take a word and be lazy to look for a qualified specialist, and also try to save money on this matter. Such frivolity can be the price of one's own he alth.
Primary tasks of massage
Massage is a combination of mechanical techniques and techniques aimed at stimulating processes in human tissues and organs. The main objectives of back massage for scoliosis are to accelerate blood circulation in the muscles, improve lymphatic drainage, optimize muscle tone of the whole body, strengthen them, eliminate curvature not only of the spine, but also of internal organs, relieve fatigue and get rid of pain. Always with the help of additional funds, you can enhance the effect of manipulation. Using special oils with natural extracts, you can fix the tonic or relaxing effect.
Method of massage for scoliosisthe first degree may include classical tricks and techniques. When it comes to the second or third degree, a differentiated effect on the convex and concave zones of the back is necessary here. There are two completely opposite opinions of doctors about which side has hypertonicity, and which one has hypotension. Literacy will be distinguished by the massage therapist who, empirically, based on his knowledge and careful observation of the patient's condition and sensations, will determine the dynamics of changes in the muscles from session to session. And this is the only way to achieve positive results. First of all, the massage therapist must study all aspects and prescriptions of the doctor in order to select the optimal set of techniques according to the degree and form of scoliosis.
Indications
Often the question is whether it is possible to massage with scoliosis. Yes, and even necessary. Massage is indicated for this disease, as well as for the following pathologies:
- Osteochondrosis.
- Headaches, back pain, neck pain.
- Disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Neuralgia.
- Hypertension.
- Chronic gastritis, ulcers.
- Immune weakening.
- Recovery after serious illnesses, operations.
- Bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia.
The list could be much longer, but this is the main one.
Contraindications
Of course, there are cases when spinal massage for scoliosis is contraindicated. It cannot be performed if, in addition to the curvature, the following diagnoses or conditions are present:
- Availabilityspinal cord compression.
- Purulent inflammation, accompanied by fever, rashes.
- Any diseases of the organs in the acute stage.
- Blood diseases, leukemia, bleeding, anemia, thrombosis.
- Oncology, AIDS, mental disorders.
- Osteoporosis, osteomyelitis.
- Vertebral tumors of large size (mechanical impact can damage the vertebrae).
These are the main contraindications, but not all.
Massage highlights
The massage table should be at the level of the outstretched fingers of the specialist's lowered hands. This is the most optimal height for using your own weight during intense impacts. It is recommended to massage all muscle groups for a better result: arms, legs, feet, buttocks, abdomen. It is necessary to identify hyperalgic zones, seals, knots in tissues, areas of hypertonicity for treatment with segmental reflex techniques and the use of very effective acupressure.
As the course progresses, after each session, the massage therapist must monitor the tension of the back areas and changes in the patient's well-being. If necessary, you should change the technique to avoid inflammation in the muscles from the same effect on them. As a rule, spinal massage for scoliosis begins on the concave side, and then moves to the convex. Any massage consists of three stages: preparatory, main and final.
Massage technique withscoliosis
- Stroking.
- Friction.
- Kneading.
- Squeeze.
- Tapping.
- Vibration.
- Cutting.
Back massage for scoliosis
The patient is laid on the table with his stomach down, arms are located along the body. If there is no special recess on the table, then the head should be placed on its side, facing away from the scoliotic curvature. The patient needs to relax the muscles as much as possible and tune in to a pleasant and useful procedure.
First, a preliminary massage is performed to warm up the tissues in the form of strokes along the back, starting from the middle, for several minutes. Then transverse movements are made. Squeezing is carried out with the base of the palm along the same lines as stroking. It is necessary to exclude pressure on the bony prominences. Kneading the long and widest muscles with the help of fingers helps to remove toxins and increase blood supply to tissues. This is followed by the capture of the subcutaneous fold with the edge of the left hand and the base of the right. Many professionals use the elbow instead of the edge of the left hand. Then the right hand moves to the next area of the skin. Thus, stretching is carried out.
After each dose, you need to do a few stroking and shaking. Intense and rhythmic friction with the edge of the palm completes the first stage. If the patient felt warmth spreading through the body, and slight hyperemia is observed, then everything is done correctly. You need to follow this sequence of actionsduring a massage for scoliosis of the thoracic spine - the most common type of deformity.
Massage of the lower thoracic region is carried out between the seventh and twelfth vertebrae. This zone is worked out in the same algorithm, adding shock and shaking techniques, if there are recommendations from the doctor. Too intense and sudden movements can lead to pain, due to the location of the kidneys in close proximity. If the muscles in the concavity zone are contracted, especially the long ones, the ribs are brought together, the intercostal areas are narrow, then it is necessary to apply the technique of stretching, sawing, rubbing. You should be more attentive to the intercostal spaces, penetrating deeper, stretching, rubbing with fingertips. And if there is a tone, then relaxing strokes and vibration will help to cope with the task.
Usually, on the side of the convexity, the long muscles are stretched, atrophied. They need to be brought into tone with the help of kneading, transverse squeezing, shock techniques. When the local study of the long muscles is completed, they proceed to smooth out the protruding costal arches. Putting a palm on the top of the hump and pressing with medium force, they rhythmically smooth towards the lateral surface of the chest. Very often, as a result of diseases such as scoliosis and osteochondrosis, pain points form in the subscapular area. Spinal massage for scoliosis will not be complete without treating all affected areas.
With one hand they cover the shoulder and pull it up a few centimeters. The shoulder will not rise if there is any tension. The patient needsrelax completely. With the other hand, the interscapular muscles are massaged in a circular motion. The same is done with the opposite shoulder. Then the periscapular zone is rubbed, the thumb is widely set aside. In the process, the asymmetry of the tone of the superficial muscles will be more noticeable, so relaxed areas can be treated with pinching, tapping, and tense areas with stroking.
Massage of the collar zone should be performed with much less pressure and intensity. All techniques are performed along the lines, first symmetrically to the spine, along it, between the shoulder blades towards the neck, then diagonally to the sides, then across and to the sides, and finally along the neck from the side of the head. The sequence of techniques is as follows: stroking, squeezing, rubbing, kneading, vibration techniques and finish with stroking and shaking with your fingertips.
Massage of the lumbar and sacral region is done along the lines coming from the spine, dosing the force of pressure. So, in the region of the sacrum, the impact will be more intense than in the lumbar zone, due to the location of the internal organs. The sequence and techniques are the same as for the collar zone.
Belly massage
With scoliosis, the muscles in this area are sluggish, weak. They need to be strengthened and toned with the help of classic stimulating effects: stroking, kneading, ring kneading, kneading with fingers, pinching. First, circular strokes are performed clockwise, then kneading is carried out on the rectus muscles andin conclusion - on oblique.
Strengthening the muscles of the abdominal wall is one of the components of therapeutic massage for scoliosis. The procedure will benefit if the intestines are emptied, but a completely empty stomach is undesirable. During the procedure, the patient lies on his back, bending his knees. Movements should be smooth, manipulations should not cause pain and discomfort to the patient.
Massage of legs and buttocks
Great attention is paid to the gluteal, tibial, calf muscles. Sufficiently tough impacts are required by such techniques as rubbing, squeezing, kneading. If there is a disposition to varicose veins, then a doctor's consultation is necessary. Flat feet are a common occurrence with curvature. Kneading the foot with acupressure on certain areas gives an excellent result.
Do it yourself
Does self-massage help with scoliosis at home? None of the family members is able to perform a professional massage, even after watching video tutorials and studying a short course. This is learned over the years, and then gain experience in practice. Moreover, if at best such manipulations remain useless, then at worst they can seriously harm. The best alternative would be reflexology. It is only necessary to determine the special points on the body and carry out self-massage of these zones. Oriental medicine has gained immense popularity due to the positive effect that many have noted.
Massage for scoliosisin adults, as in children, it plays perhaps the most important role in the complex. After all, along with the enormous benefits for tissues and muscles, the patient receives a powerful boost of energy and positive. Massage relieves fatigue, relaxes, stimulates the production of the hormone of happiness - endorphin. And the emotional state is the key to recovery from any disease.
