Massage for Chronic Back Pain in Brentwood, CA
Chronic back pain affects millions of Americans, significantly impacting quality of life. Our therapeutic massage treatments target the root causes of back pain, providing lasting relief and improved mobility.
⚠️Signs You May Need This Treatment
You may benefit from this treatment if you experience:
How Massage Helps Back Pain
Therapeutic massage addresses back pain through multiple mechanisms: reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, releasing trigger points, and promoting natural healing responses.
Types of Back Pain We Treat
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is the most common type of back pain, often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or disc issues. Our deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy provide effective relief.
Upper Back Pain
Upper back and shoulder tension often results from desk work and poor posture. Targeted massage releases tight muscles and improves postural alignment.
Sciatica
Sciatic nerve pain radiating down the leg can be relieved through specific massage techniques targeting the piriformis muscle and lower back. Learn more about our sciatica treatment.
Recommended Massage Techniques
- Deep Tissue Massage - Targets chronic muscle tension
- Trigger Point Therapy - Releases muscle knots
- Myofascial Release - Addresses fascial restrictions
- Sports Massage - For athletic back injuries
🎯What to Expect: Session Timeline
6-8 sessions over 4-6 weeks for chronic back pain; 2-4 sessions for acute muscle strain
Assessment of pain patterns, posture evaluation, and testing range of motion. Treatment focuses on 1-2 primary problem areas to avoid overwhelming your system.
Most clients notice 30-40% pain reduction after first session, 60-70% improvement after 4 sessions, with best results at 6-8 sessions for chronic conditions.
Note: Everyone responds differently. Timeline depends on condition severity, how long you've had it, overall health, and home care compliance.
🏠Home Care Between Sessions
Maximize your results with these self-care strategies:
Ice or Heat Application
Use ice for first 48 hours after acute injury (15 min on, 15 min off). Switch to heat for chronic back pain to relax muscles before stretching.
Gentle Stretching
Cat-cow stretches, knee-to-chest pulls, and child's pose 2-3x daily. Hold each stretch 30 seconds, never push into sharp pain.
Posture Awareness
Set hourly reminders to check posture. Sit with feet flat, shoulders back, lower back supported. Stand with weight evenly distributed.
Hydration
Drink extra water after massage (spinal discs are 80% water). Aim for half your body weight in ounces daily for optimal tissue healing.
What to Expect
During your first visit, we conduct a thorough intake to understand your pain patterns and medical history. Treatment is customized to your specific needs and may combine multiple techniques for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will massage make my back pain worse initially?
Some clients experience temporary soreness (like after a workout) for 24-48 hours, especially after first session. This is normal muscle response to deep work, not injury. If pain increases significantly or lasts beyond 48 hours, contact us immediately - we may need to adjust pressure.
How soon can I exercise after massage for back pain?
Light walking immediately after is beneficial. Wait 24 hours before intense exercise or heavy lifting. Your muscles need recovery time after deep tissue work. Gentle stretching and swimming are excellent between sessions.
Should I see a chiropractor or massage therapist for back pain?
Both can help, often complementary. Chiropractic adjusts skeletal alignment; massage addresses muscle tension pulling on bones. Many clients do both - massage first to release muscle tension, then chiropractic adjustment holds better. Consult your provider for your specific situation.
Can massage help herniated disc pain?
Massage cannot "fix" a herniated disc, but can significantly reduce surrounding muscle spasm and nerve compression. We avoid direct pressure on spine, focusing on supporting muscles. Always get MD clearance for diagnosed disc issues. Many clients find 40-60% pain reduction even with confirmed disc problems.
How do I prevent back pain from returning after treatment?
Maintenance sessions every 3-4 weeks, core strengthening exercises, ergonomic workspace setup, proper lifting technique, and addressing stress (major factor in muscle tension). We provide personalized prevention strategies during your treatment plan.
Will insurance cover massage for back pain?
Some insurance plans cover massage with prescription from MD or chiropractor, especially for documented chronic pain or injury. We provide detailed receipts for insurance submission. Check your specific plan - HSA/FSA typically covers therapeutic massage.
🔗This Treatment Also Helps With
These related conditions often improve with the same treatment approach: