Back pain can be debilitating, but it can be effectively treated through proper massage techniques and the right plan of attack. Massage therapy reduces the need for painkillers by 36 percent according to a study from the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Massage therapy alleviates back pain by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles, releasing endorphins, and restoring flexibility to tense muscles.

“Massage therapy may make the back quit aching right away, but don’t expect one session to cure all the pain,” says C.G. Funk, vice president of industry relations and product development for Massage Envy, the leading provider of massage therapy in the U.S. “Your back pain didn’t start overnight, so don’t expect an overnight cure. However, a solid massage therapy wellness plan can help tremendously.”

Achieving long-term back pain relief depends on a varying number of factors; lifestyle, posture, and the severity of the pain. Sufferers of chronic back pain should develop a plan that includes a massage therapy session every three, to four weeks.

“It’s important to listen to your therapist,” says Massage Envy’s Funk. “A good therapist will give you homework that you need to stay on top of to get rid of the back pain.”

At Massage Envy clinics, this “homework” might consist of correcting posture, adjusting living and working spaces, and changing work habits. Exercise should also play a role with massage therapy to achieve maximum relief. Just be sure to consult a physician before embarking on a new exercise program.

According to a study that appeared in the Feb. 13 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, total estimated medical costs associated with back and neck pain increased by 65 percent between 1997 and 2005, to about $86 billion a year.

Massage therapy is an effective and conservative approach when compared to the other options – plus, it feels good.

Not every Massage Therapist is a back pain expert. When seeking out back pain relief it’s important that the therapist be notified of the condition. At Massage Envy clinics, the front desk personnel are equipped with the knowledge to match clientele with therapists skilled in specific areas. With proper therapy and monitored exercise habits, back pain can be alleviated and even eliminated in the long term.

At Massage Envy, an introductory one-hour massage session (a 50-minute massage and time for consultation and dressing) is just $39. Memberships are available for $49 per month and include a one-hour massage session. Members may also enjoy unlimited additional one-hour massage sessions at the $39 member rate.

Log on to www.massageenvy.com to find the nearest Massage Envy clinic. There are 26 Massage Envy locations throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and 500 nationwide. All are open seven days per week.

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