Massage for sacroiliac pain can sooth ligaments and generally relax the region, making it less symptomatic. Massage is more effective for some SI diagnoses than others, with soft tissue pain syndromes usually benefiting far more than structurally-induced joint degeneration and sacroiliitis. Massage is the world’s first and oldest healing method. Humans have recognized the therapeutic value of touch since as long as they have roamed the earth. Massage remains one of the most popular forms of treatment for a wide range of health issues today, as well as being a recognized form of general wellness care.
This focused discussion details the benefits and limitations of massage therapy for various sacroiliac joint pain syndromes. We will also provide guidance of patients who are interested in massage, but want to be sure that the therapy will not make their symptoms worse due to aggressive manipulation.
Massage for Sacroiliac Benefits
Massage definitively provides general health benefits, such as relaxation and improved circulation. It also provides numerous benefits to anatomical tissues where it is directly applied, including improved healing response and metabolism of waste chemicals. Few would dispute that a good massage is one of life’s great joys.
For sacroiliac joint concerns, massage is variably effective, but will generally not provide curative interventions for virtually any type of pain. Massage is considered symptom-based care, but in very rare circumstances might actually promote curative healing when used in combination with exercise and stretching, especially for ligament-induced hypomobility problems. Massage is also highly effective when used in tandem with prolotherapy for ligamentous laxity concerns.
For nearly all diagnoses, massage will certainly keep the area optimized for healing, if and when the body is capable of providing itself with a cure. Massage also increases the local therapeutic value of some drugs that are designed to target certain aspects of sacroiliac pain.
Massage Limitations
Massage is not nearly as beneficial for structural joint problems, such as those enacted by ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis or advanced osteoarthritic deterioration. Massage might also be less rewarding for some types of soft tissue SIJ problems, such as those associated with repeated pregnancies, obesity and truly old age.
Massage rarely has any hope of providing a true cure for SIJ pain. In some instances, it may actually exacerbate symptoms temporarily or until the therapy is stopped, especially in sensitive patients who consult overly aggressive therapists.
Massage is likely to provide temporary relief from psychogenic ischemia, but will rarely provide long-lasting benefits, since the true source of pain resides in the mind , rather than the SI joint.
Massage can be expensive in some parts of the world, with the United States leading fees charged. In fact, some American massage therapists charge fees that mirror physicians, making massage an expensive proposition in select areas.
Massage for Sacroiliac Advice
SI joint pain can be assuaged using various types of massage, ranging from brutally intense to soft and gentle. While some therapies insist that “no pain, no gain” is the right philosophy, we beg to differ. Massage should not be painful and if it is, the experience will be counterproductive, since tissues will tighten and might even go into spasm. What is the point of that? We understand that painful areas will be sensitive to touch, but therapists must find ways of becoming both effectual, as well as humane in their application of massage techniques.
We suggest finding a therapist that suits your needs and wants. Be sure to interview them before hiring them and make sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to the experience you expect. If during the massage, the therapy becomes overly painful, simply ask them to ease off and go softer. Never suffer through a massage in silence. You are the client and you are paying. Get the massage that you want every time.
Quality massage does not have to professionally-applied. We have been extolling the benefits of self-massage and amateur massage for over a decade. If you can learn what needs to be done to massage you own SI joint, then you can save a lot of money over time. If you have a loved one who can help you by learning, then you will save cash, trust them totally and have a nice bonding time together.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain > Sacroiliac Treatment > Massage for Sacroiliac
