Back pain should be approached with medical oversight, especially when inflammation or cancer could be a factor. The initial step in addressing persistent back discomfort is a consultation with a physician. This guidance comes from Maria Gurkina, a physician specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine and head of the early medical rehabilitation department at the National Medical Research Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia.
There are clear indications and contraindications for massage in the context of back pain. The physician notes that massage can play a role in soothing discomfort arising from muscle tension after vigorous activity, yet not every massage is appropriate in every situation.
In some cases, traditional manual massage may be unsuitable. When this occurs, alternative approaches that rely on modern hardware-based therapies can be employed to achieve relief while avoiding potential risks. The choice of therapy must reflect the underlying cause of the pain rather than simply aiming to alleviate symptoms.
Only a licensed professional such as a doctor of physical therapy, a physiotherapist, or a physical rehabilitation medical doctor should determine the most suitable massage technique. Understanding the root cause of the patient’s pain is essential to selecting an effective treatment modality and ensuring safety.
The specialist stresses that massage is strictly not recommended when the pain stems from an inflammatory process, including malignant conditions. In such cases, addressing the inflammation and the underlying illness takes precedence, often requiring multidisciplinary care and careful monitoring.
In related research, scientists continue to explore ways to reduce age-related muscle loss, highlighting the broader context in which rehabilitation therapies fit within preventive health strategies. Although progress varies, the goal remains to support joint function, mobility, and overall quality of life through evidence-based interventions.