subject: Soothe Scoliosis Pain With Massage Therapy In Anonka County, Minneapolis, St Paul And Blaine Mn [print this page] Scoliosis is a condition that plagues about six million people in the United States. This number includes adults, teens and even children. The tragic thing about scoliosis is that it subjects the patient to severe and constant pain. Massage therapy has been found to be effective in soothing the pain of scoliosis. Deep tissue massage therapy, which is also used in sports massage therapy, has been identified as most effective in this regard although reflexology massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy may be helpful, as well. All these massage therapy modalities are available from professional therapeutic massage spas serving Anonka County, Minneapolis, St Paul and Blaine MN.
The root word for scoliosis is Greek and means crooked. It is appropriate because scoliosis is a condition wherein there is curvature in the spine.
The normal human spine should be straight when viewed from the back and should look like a loose "S" when viewed from the side. In a person suffering from scoliosis, though, the spine looks curved even from the back. It can look like an "S" or a "C" or can be twisted with lateral bends in the thoracic or lumbar areas. Curves of 10 degrees are considered mild scoliosis while severe cases can have up to 90 degree curves. Because of the curvature of the spine, muscles on one side are shortened while those on the other side are elongated. This causes sciatica, back pain, headaches, shallow breathing and insomnia.
According to statistics, scoliosis is more prevalent among women. It commonly develops during childhood or adolescence but there are also cases of adult onset scoliosis. Some cases are congenital and are caused by abnormalities in the vertebrae. Scoliosis with no known cause is called idiopathic. It can also be triggered by various factors including heredity, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, connective tissue disorders, cerebral palsy, nervous system abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, chronic physical or emotional stress and physical trauma.
The progression of scoliosis is more likely if the curvature of the spine begins before adolescence, while the spine is still in the growth stage. Curves located in the thoracic area are also more likely to progress as compared to those in the lumbar area. Orthopedic bracing is prescribed for curves that are 30 degrees and above. These are worn 23 hours a day from infancy through adolescence, including sleep time. Although orthopaedic braces cannot correct any existing curve, it may prevent it from worsening. Results are more promising when used in younger children. It is more difficult to prevent the progress of scoliosis in adults.
The most extreme option for stabilizing the spine in scoliosis is surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon takes bone from the patient's pelvis and inserts this between the spine vertebrae to stimulate bone fusion. The surgeon may also use metal rods, wires and hooks.
Deep tissue massage therapy has been found to be effective in easing the discomforts of scoliosis by providing gentle traction, elongating tight muscles, relaxing tissue restrictions, easing the pull of muscles on the spine, lessening stress on the spine and soothing overstretched fascia and muscles. The patient's pain is, thus, relieved to a large extent and the patient's mobility is increased. It does well when combined with assisted stretching techniques, neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, cranial-sacral therapy and Rolfing.
People suffering from scoliosis will do anything to get any level of relief from their constant severe pain. Deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy are very affordable options that should never be ignored in order to help them. Therapeutic massage spas serving Anonka County, Minneapolis, St Paul and Blaine MN are sanctuaries for patients and their families.
