Top 8 Massage For Muscle Spasms In The Body

Do you ever find yourself wincing from a sudden jolt of pain in your back or leg muscles upon getting up, stretching, swimming, or turning around?

Known as muscle spasms, these involuntary contractions can be really discomforting and sometimes life-threatening, which can be temporarily treated with drugs, but long-lasting prevention may require deep muscle work.

Regular massages targeted to core muscle areas such as the Deep tissue, Trigger-point, Swedish, Shiatsu, and Myofascial are proven techniques to subside and treat chronic muscle spasms, providing relief from sudden jolts of pain.

Let’s discuss more about massages you can try to ease chronic muscle aches and get back to feeling your best.

What May Cause Muscle Spasms?

A muscle spasm occurs when your muscles tighten suddenly and forcibly without your knowledge, causing a sharp pain that can last a short time.

It is most common in the legs, back, and neck and normally may come as a little twitch, but sometimes can be an intense cramp that restricts activity.

Studies suggest often dehydration, nutritional imbalance, poor blood circulation, bad postures, and various underlying medical conditions can cause muscle spasms.

Sitting or standing in an abysmal posture while working, studying, or completing any activity can lead to muscle cramps because assuming a poor posture for a significant amount of time limits blood circulation, leading to spasms.

However, muscle spasms can also arise during or after an intense workout. Overexerting muscular tissues to work, hike, exercise, play sports, etc., can become a common reason for muscle spasms.

8 Massages For Muscle Spasms Relief in The Body

Here are eight effective massage techniques that can help with muscle spasms and pain alleviation.

1. Remedial Massage

Let's kick things off with the most immediate therapy for muscle spasms, remedial massage that focuses on identifying the root cause of muscle issues before applying targeted pressure to alleviate muscle spasms.

By focusing on specific muscle groups, remedial massage helps release muscular tension and promote relaxation, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of spasms.

It involves pulling and stretching the muscles to improve lymphatic flow and relax muscles, and can be done by anyone without needing an expert’s guidance.

2. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a long-term solution for muscle spasms.

It is a comprehensive physiological therapy that tackles musculoskeletal issues, promoting muscle relaxation and pain relief as it works deep into muscular tissue to ease chronic pain and tightness, using slow strokes and firm pressure to reach and loosen knots and tense areas.

Friction, gliding, and palm-thumb movements are used to relay specific pressure and address particular muscles.

By breaking up adhesions and stiffness, it enhances mobility and blood circulation, resulting in relief from muscle cramps and aches.

3. Swedish Massage

Known for its gentle yet effective approach, Swedish massage is another excellent option for relieving muscle spasms.

It involves long, gliding strokes combined with kneading and tapping motions to improve circulation and loosen tight muscles.

A Swedish therapist, Per Henrik Ling, began providing this massage to help athletes prevent muscle cramps and injuries.

Swedish massage can help reduce muscle tension and flush out toxins, making it easier for your body to recover from spasms.

4. Trigger Point Therapy

Muscle spasms often stem from trigger points, hypersensitive spots within a muscle, which are localized areas of muscle tightness and irritation. 

The therapy applies direct pressure with specific techniques to these distinct points to release blood flow and alleviate spasms.

This technique helps interrupt the cycle of muscle contractions by targeting trigger points, relieving spasms and associated pain.

Plus, it combines stretching exercises and massaging to enhance muscle flexibility.

5. Myofascial Release

Myofascial massage focuses on stretching and releasing the fascia to boost blood circulation, restore mobility, and relieve spasms.

Fascia is a connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs that can contribute to muscle spasms when tight or restricted.

This light yet effective technique can help improve the range of motion, reduce muscle stiffness, and promote the overall relaxation of muscles in the body.

Therapists may use sustained pressure, specialized tools, or even gentle rocking motions to achieve myofascial release.

6. Shiatsu Massage

Another efficient therapy is Shiatsu massage, which originated in Japan and involves applying finger pressure to specific acupoints along the body's energy pathways.

This targeted approach can specifically be beneficial for those experiencing muscle spasms alongside stress or anxiety because it helps release muscle tension, balance energy flow, and promote overall health.

Moreover, this finger massage helps ease pain and stiffness from extensive seating or working.

By enhancing blood flow, Shiatsu therapy removes lymphatic fluid buildup and aids in healing cramps. 

7. Thai Massage

Originating from Thailand, Thai massage combines acupressure, stretching, and assisted yoga poses to promote healing and relieve muscle tension.

It is an excellent choice for addressing muscle spasms while improving overall flexibility and mobility.

Thai massage therapists use hands, elbows, forearms, and feet to manipulate the tendons and advance your muscle’s blood flow and oxygen supply.

Apart from healing muscle spasms, this therapy eases back pain, reduces headaches, aids in digestion, and lowers stress and anxiety.

8. Chair Massage

The last on the list is Chair massage, which targets areas like your upper back, neck, and shoulders, melting away tension knots and boosting circulation.

Presently, this massage technique is gaining popularity because of its convenience and accessibility. 

If you have back or neck spasms, a chair massage will revitalize you and prepare you to tackle anything in just 15 to 30 minutes. You need not change clothes or lie down; just sit back, relax, and let the stress melt away.

Whether you are at work, the airport, or a mall, you can take a quick session to release stress and anxiety.

Besides, chair massages not only ease pain and stress but also promote better sleep and improve posture.

With so many massage techniques available, the best approach is to discuss your specific needs and medical conditions with a qualified massage therapist.

You can tailor a session that incorporates the most effective techniques for your individual situation.

Conclusion

Incorporating regular massage therapy into your wellness routine can provide relief from muscle spasms and contribute to overall physical and mental well-being. 

So, do not let muscle spasms hold you back any longer – schedule a massage session today and experience the transformative power of touch.

Lemon Massage Therapy, with experienced therapists, offers various massage and therapy services, including Deep Tissue and Shiatsu Finger Massage.