Lumbar sprains often occur in the lumbar sacral region, sacroiliac joint, and bilateral sacral spinous muscles. When the lower back is exerted too forcefully or twisted excessively, or when there is excessive weight-bearing or poor posture, it can cause sprains, misalignment, local bleeding and swelling, soft tissue spasms, and small joint disorders in the lumbar sacral region, sacroiliac joint, and bilateral sacral spinous muscles. Now let's take a look at whether massage therapy is effective for lumbar sprains.
Is massage therapy effective for lumbar sprains?
Massage therapy has a certain therapeutic effect on lumbar sprains.
Through appropriate massage therapy, it can help promote blood circulation, unblock meridians, and relieve spasms and pain, thus alleviating pain.
Clinical manifestations of lumbar sprains
Low back pain, local swelling, limited mobility, particularly evident in forward bending. Patients often cannot stand or walk. Some patients may experience radiating pain to the buttocks, worsening of pain with coughing, sneezing, and straining during bowel movements.
Diagnosis: There is a clear history of trauma, persistent low back pain, worsening of pain and limited mobility several hours or the day after the injury. Tender points are often located at the lumbar sacral joint, sacroiliac joint, and near the kidney's Yu points. There may also be muscle spasms and swelling in the lower back.
Acupoints for treating lumbar sprains
Treatment principle: Promote blood circulation, eliminate stasis, and unblock meridians.
Acupoints to be used:
Jianjing: On the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line connecting the prominent point of the shoulder blade and the midpoint of the cervical spine.
Tianzong: In the central depression of the lesser tubercle of the humerus, at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra spinous process.
Shenyu: Below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 1.5 inches to the side.
Balao: Eight points in total, collectively known as Balao. The first sacral foramen is the upper Balao, the second sacral foramen is the second Balao, the third sacral foramen is the middle Balao, and the fourth sacral foramen is the lower Balao.
Dazhu: Below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches to the side.
Jiaji: From the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra, 0.5 inches to the side of each spinous process, a total of 34 points on both sides.
Huantiao: The highest point of the greater trochanter of the femur and the sacral hiatus.
Weizhong: The midpoint of the popliteal crease, between the tendons of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles.
Ashi point: Tender point in the lumbar region.
Massage techniques: Pushing, holding, pressing, kneading, shaking, pulling, rubbing, etc.
Massage techniques for lumbar sprains
Start by holding Jianjing and pressing Tianzong, then massage from the cervical spine to the sacrococcygeal region. Use the eight-shaped pushing technique, massage Jiaji and along the first and second lateral lines of the bladder meridian, from Dazhu to the sacral region. Knead the bladder meridian's various Yu points (from top to bottom), massage Shenyu and the lumbar sacral region, shake the lower back, and apply a posterior extension and oblique pulling technique to the lumbar region. Massage both sides of the lower back, massage Huantiao and Ashi points, and then have the patient lie supine while the massager holds Weizhong and performs passive knee and hip flexion movements.
Explanation of massage techniques for lumbar sprains
Holding Jianjing, pressing Tianzong, and applying pressure to the spine, using the eight-shaped pushing technique, and kneading, rubbing, and applying pressure to various acupoints along the bladder meridian are aimed at promoting circulation, eliminating stasis and swelling, regulating meridians, promoting blood flow, and relieving pain. Kneading the lumbar sacral region and Shenyu can relieve lumbar spasms, promote swelling reduction, and alleviate pain. Shaking and applying the posterior extension and oblique pulling technique to the lumbar region can lubricate the joints. Massage of Huantiao, Ashi points, and holding Weizhong, as well as passive movement of the lower limbs, can enhance the effects of relaxing tendons, unblocking meridians, promoting circulation, and relieving pain.
Care tips for lumbar sprains
1. For those with small joint disorders, add spinal rotational reduction technique and massage techniques to the lumbar region.
2. It is best for patients to rest on a firm bed for 1-3 days and avoid getting chilled.
3. Avoid rotational movements of the lower back during the early stages of injury.
