The main difference between thoracic osteochondrosis and other forms of this disease is that it usually develops less frequently than others. This is due to the fact that it is the thoracic spine that bears the maximum load, and at the same time the ribs and sternum limit the movement of the vertebrae.
The main cause of thoracic osteochondrosis is various injuries of the spine and back. The disease is manifested by back pain, which can spread to the hypochondrium, shoulder and anterior surface of the chest.
As a rule, the pain becomes stronger with prolonged stay in a static position. In addition, a symptom of the disease is the appearance of sharp pain when pressing on the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Essence of the procedure
Massage is a reflexive and mechanical effect on the human body for therapeutic and preventive purposes.
Prescribed for chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs. Massage for thoracic osteochondrosis is one of the effective means of non-drug treatment . The reflex effect has a positive effect not only on the spinal column, fat layer and muscle corset, but also on all structures of the body as a whole.
Since the muscle fibers in the thoracic region have a certain threshold of action, massage of this area requires a different approach than other spinal regions.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that is characterized by destructive processes occurring in the vertebrae, as well as in the tissues of the intervertebral discs. As a result, the normal functioning of the spinal column is disrupted.
Intervertebral discs are , vertebrae are compressed, and nerve fibers are compressed. Pain, limited motor ability, and damage to the nerve root endings occur.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by abrasion of intervertebral discs
Osteochondrosis can develop in a certain area of the spinal column: in the cervical, lumbar or thoracic.
Indications
Massage is not indicated in all cases; it should only be prescribed by a doctor . In the acute stage of pathology it is prohibited. Also, when prescribing a course of procedures, the general condition of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account.
Massage of the thoracic spine has a number of contraindications, so self-prescription is unacceptable.
When is it appointed?
Massage is prescribed after acute pain has been relieved by other treatment methods, that is, in the subacute stage of the disease. Indications for sessions are:
- pain in the area of pathological changes;
- limited mobility;
- excessive muscle tone;
- disruptions in respiratory function - most often this is associated with severe pain during inhalation and exhalation, which forces the patient to reduce their depth.
Arguments in favor of our clinics
- All procedures are carried out only as prescribed by a doctor; their necessity is objective.
- During the course, gentle techniques are used that are safe for the spine - rubbing, kneading, etc. – and at the same time demonstrating high efficiency.
- Depending on the disease - be it problems with the musculoskeletal system or muscle diseases - patients are prescribed an individual massage program, including classical techniques.
- Prices for cervicothoracic massage are affordable for patients with any budget.
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Benefits and therapeutic effect
The muscular apparatus of the thoracic spine experiences stress during certain movements; if muscle tone is insufficient, fiber atrophy may occur, as well as stagnation of concentrated hydroxypropionic acid. In this case, tissue metabolism deteriorates and blood flow is disrupted. The joints stop receiving the necessary nutrition, their elasticity decreases .
Massage procedures as an additional component of therapy have the following effects:
- improves blood microcirculation;
- relieves spasms, relaxes tense muscles;
- restores metabolic processes;
- relieves pain;
- eliminates joint stiffness and restores their mobility;
- normalizes muscle tone;
- eliminates compression of nerve fibers;
- fills cells with energy.
At what stages can it be done?
Thoracic massage is effective at all stages except acute . The specialist prescribes a course in the subacute stage and in the remission stage.
Contraindications to massage in the chest and neck area
It is extremely important that if there are indications for massage procedures, the patient does not have factors limiting the possibility of their implementation:
- Severe osteoporosis;
- Pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous system.
- Open wounds, burns or frostbite in a given area of the body.
- Pathologies in cerebral circulation.
- Oncology.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Infectious diseases of the joints and spine.
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A doctor sees at a clinic in Lyubertsy
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Possible contraindications
In addition to the acute stage of the disease, massage for thoracic osteochondrosis is not performed in the following cases:
- high or low blood pressure;
- some disorders in the circulatory system;
- blood diseases and bleeding tendency;
- heart problems;
- thrombophlebitis and other vascular diseases;
- heat;
- viral and colds;
- inflammatory and purulent processes;
- serious injuries;
- postoperative period;
- sclerosis of cerebral vessels;
- urolithiasis and cholelithiasis.
Massage is not recommended if there is a suspicion of tumor processes, during pregnancy or during menstruation.
Rules
Carrying out a massage of the thoracic spine has the following rules:
- The procedures should be easy, without stress. A hard massage shortens the muscles, which can lead to discomfort and even severe pain.
- Massage should be prescribed in the initial stages of the disease.
- For elderly people, only light rubbing and gentle impact on the spinous processes are recommended.
- Young people are recommended to actively work out muscle fibers.
- If the patient has a history of fractures, procedures should be performed with particular caution.
- It is recommended to combine massage with diadynamic therapy or electrophoresis.
- The duration of manual therapy is 20-30 minutes.
- The session is carried out before meals or 2 hours after meals.
- After the session, you need to lie quietly and relax for 10-15 minutes.
Stages
Regardless of the method of execution, the steps of the procedure are as follows::
- stroking;
- trituration;
- kneading;
- stroking.
Search for a specialist
Finding a massage therapist is not difficult - the easiest way is to contact your doctor or the reception desk of a medical institution. Massage therapists are available in all public health institutions. You can also find a specialist in private clinics; there must be a massage therapist who will conduct the course in strict accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
Approximate prices for services
The minimum price for one session is 200 rubles , but of course the cost of this procedure will depend on the prices of a particular medical institution.
How many sessions are needed?
Massage is not a universal method of treating osteochondrosis, and is prescribed only as a complement to other methods. To achieve a stable result, 1-2 courses are usually required, each of which consists of 5-10 sessions. By the end of the first course, you can already notice improvements, but for pronounced positive dynamics you need to take 2 courses.
After the first massage sessions, back pain may become more intense. This is a normal phenomenon - the muscles adapt to the new condition. As a rule, the pain goes away after 3-4 sessions.
Where do they do cervical-thoracic massage in Moscow?
Call our clinics on the same phone number to make an appointment with an orthopedist or other specialist you need. If, after diagnosis, you are prescribed a massage as treatment, you can choose any convenient time for the procedures. We guarantee that the professionalism of doctors and modern conditions in our clinics will provide you with excellent treatment results, relief from the disease and emotional comfort. You can find out more about the cost of the service or make an appointment with a doctor by calling.
Execution techniques
There are many techniques for performing massage for thoracic osteochondrosis. Some of them will be discussed below.
Classical
- The patient is in a prone position.
- The procedure begins with stroking, then the specialist proceeds to kneading and squeezing the back. The maximum impact falls on the area of the shoulder blades - stroking is carried out from the bottom of the shoulder blade up to the neck.
- Next, the shoulder girdles are processed; in this area, the specialist carries out stroking, kneading and squeezing.
- A light cervical massage is also performed.
- Next, the pectoral muscles are processed.
- A very important stage is rubbing along the spinal column. The effects are carried out in the area of the occipital bone, then lower - towards the chest area.
- If thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by pain in the shoulder joint, additional shoulder massage is performed.
Spot
Acupressure massage is prescribed to relieve pain and as an auxiliary technique to the classical one. The essence of the procedure is to use your fingertips on acupuncture points (using your thumb and middle finger).
All movements are carried out first clockwise and then counterclockwise. The impact may vary in strength and includes the following techniques:
- pressing;
- finger sticking;
- kneading;
- fingernail prick.
Gentle
A gentle technique is used at the beginning of the massage course, with the specialist working on the upper back, shoulder girdle and shoulders. The first procedure is carried out without a significant increase in muscle tone.
The procedure begins with the area of the back where the pain is least pronounced, then gradually moves to the painful areas. If unilateral osteochondrosis is diagnosed, the massage begins with the healthy half of the back.
Canning
Cupping massage is carried out using medical cups made from:
- glass;
- plastic;
- ceramics;
- bamboo
Before the session begins, the skin of the back is warmed up, and then the can is lowered onto the back and the massage itself begins. The specialist moves the can over the back and provides a therapeutic effect.
At the initial stage, you may feel discomfort and pain, but then it goes away . Glass and ceramic jars need to be set on fire; plastic jars shrink and attach easily to the skin without preheating.
We invite you to watch a video about how cupping massage is performed for osteochondrosis:
Honey
Honey massage is not considered medical and is more often used during home therapy (we described in detail how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at home in a separate article). The technique is as follows :
- honey is applied to the thoracic region of the spine;
- the skin is warmed up;
- then comes the turn of patting - the honey thickens and sticks to the hands and the skin of the back;
- massage is carried out for 10 minutes;
- At the end of the session, the patient takes a shower and a moisturizer is applied to the skin.
We invite you to watch a video about how a massage is performed using honey:
Vacuum
Vacuum massage is reminiscent of cupping technique .
In this case, a jar is also used, which is placed on the skin, well lubricated with cream. This type improves muscle tone and restores metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs.
Back massage for various types of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic, lumbar
- Cervical.
A patient suffering from cervical osteochondrosis can take a sitting position during the session, and the impact itself will be limited mainly to kneading the cervical-collar area. - Chest.
Damage to the vertebrae in the center of the back often leads to pain that radiates to the shoulder joints. Including the deltoid muscle area in the treatment area helps to quickly eliminate pain. Back massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine is also performed on the entire surface of the back of the body. - Lumbar.
In the lumbar region, the pace of the massage intensifies: the massage therapist uses tapping and effleurage techniques, as well as intense kneading and vibration.
Kneading the gluteal muscles includes impact with fists, the inside and ribs of the palm.
How to do self-massage at home?
You can also conduct massage sessions at home, but only after they are prescribed by a doctor.
- You need to start the self-massage procedure from the neck and shoulders - make stroking movements for several minutes, then work the muscles with the pads of your fingers or the edge of your palm.
- After which you can slightly pull the skin to the side and rub it with your fingers.
- Then similar movements should be carried out with muscle grip.
- The session ends with stroking movements.
Each stage should be given 30 seconds.
Efficiency of the procedure
Properly performed massage helps:
- eliminate muscle causes of osteochondrosis;
- relieve excessive back tension;
- improve local metabolic processes;
- eliminate spasms.
However, since the main cause of osteochondrosis lies in spinal-bone factors, they will provoke the pathology again.
Massage is effective only in combination with the main treatment of the disease.
Expert advice
Experts recommend:
- When performing a massage, influence the source of the main pain gradually, after the surrounding muscles have relaxed.
- The first 2-3 sessions should be gentle, without attempts to return the anatomically normal position of the vertebrae.
- The patient must warn the massage therapist about the presence of injuries or previous spinal surgeries.
- Before 60 years of age, it is optimal to massage muscles; after 60, the greatest effect is achieved by working out the vertebral joints.
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis should be under the supervision of professionals who will correctly identify the causes of acute pain and prescribe treatment. And during the recovery period, you can practice alternative medicine methods.
Massage is an effective addition to the main treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis. To get the maximum benefit from this procedure, it is recommended to use the services of professionals.
Treatment methods for osteochondrosis
Treatment of pathological changes in the spine involves the use of a whole range of measures to eliminate the disease:
- drug treatment . It involves taking medications to eliminate pain, reduce swelling, and relax muscles. It is possible to use injections and use blockades. Preparations are prescribed for rubbing into the sore spot (ointments, creams, gels);
- physiotherapeutic measures . Effective means are electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetic therapy;
- massage . According to indications, in certain cases, massage with the use of medicinal ointments, the use of mud and medicinal baths are prescribed;
- physiotherapy . Exercises are prescribed to alleviate the condition, ensure mobility of the spine, and the ability to increase the range of motion without pain. The muscular frame of the spine is strengthened;
- methods of alternative medicine : acupuncture, hirudotherapy, herbal compresses;
- the use of orthopedic devices (belts, collars, bandages) to fix the spine and reduce the load on the vertebrae.
Important! All measures aimed at treating osteochondrosis must be coordinated and approved by a doctor. Independent manipulation or choice of medications can aggravate the course of the disease and also cause additional complications.
Video: “How to diagnose osteochondrosis: advice from a chiropractor”
Do you know how and why osteochondrosis develops in the cervical spine?
- You can read about grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis on the page
- Treatment of grade 2 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
- Features of the treatment of neck osteochondrosis at stage 3 can be found here
