Conquering Chronic Low Back Pain

Studies are proving more and more that massage is one of the best remedies for chronic pain. A study of women with chronic low back pain indicated that participants who received massage therapy had a greater decrease in pain intensity and disability than participants who received physical therapy. 

There is not a one-size fits all when it comes to treatment of managing chronic pain. It is very important to go to a therapist that listens closely to the client's description of their pain and response to the techniques tried. We, at Body Talk, say we listen by touch for this reason. We pride ourselves in first listening above all else.

Patients should be told that they should walk out of the office with a minimum of 10% reduction in pain. Most of the clients see more like a 50% reduction. The acute aspect of the chronic pain should diminish immediately. The pain felt for years takes a journey in treatment to get to a maintenance level; meaning no pain in-between sessions. This is something that can be achieved if the patient is serious about getting better and commits to treatment. 

Julie Brown, L.M.T. Tells a Story:

I have been a massage therapist since 1996. My brother finally came to see me after not being able to stand straight and was in too pain to even get from the car to the treatment room without severe discomfort. After one treatment, he was able to go to work the next day. He was sore but had immediate relief. The next visit, only a week later, the rest of his pain was nearly gone. When asked how he felt after the first treatment, he said, "Julie, you are good! I feel much better. You are more like a physical therapists, not a masseuse." Of course, I nodded and told him he should have been in a long time ago. The second time. He felt better but I encouraged him to see Dr. Erik Gilbertson, a Chiropractor and Naturopath in my office. He was reluctant but listened. As he left the office, I went to say goodbye and see how he felt. I asked if the adjustment helped. He said, "Did it help?! It more than helped. It was amazing! All my pain and discomfort is now completely gone. You two have a great system." I didn't have to see my brother again for the same injury. Everyone is different. For him, doing heavy construction on a daily basis, just one ab exercise is what threw him over the edge in a low back pain cycle. The pain was  unbearable without treatment from a good therapist. We have numerous stories just like this.