Treat Yourself to a Massage with 3 DIY Tips
Not all of us can afford to get a massage on a regular basis, but most of us could benefit from the healing effects of a massage routine.
If you want to soothe back pain anytime, at no cost, a do-it-yourself (DIY) massage could be a smart option. While massaging your own back may sound challenging, these tips can help you make it a soothing and healing experience.
1. Use ice to massage a back injury.
Create an ice “roller” by freezing a small paper cup full of water. After it is frozen, remove the top half inch of the cup to expose the ice. The rest of the cup can serve as a handle during self-massage.
Take care not to apply the ice directly to the surface of your skin because this can cause damage to soft tissue or nerves. To prevent this damage, place a thin cloth over the affected area, or wear a thin T-shirt.
Only expose yourself to the ice for 5 to 10 minutes per session, and repeat each session several times a day.
When massaging, move the ice roller along your back or neck in small circles, so as not to expose one area for too long. Stop when numbness has been achieved in the affected area.
2. Try massage with magnesium oil.
Magnesium is a mineral that aids muscles in contracting and relaxing. It can be applied topically to the back or neck to ease pain.
You can massage your back or neck while in an Epsom salt bath, which is rich in magnesium. Apply magnesium oil during or before the massage, following a hot shower or bath, as your skin will more effectively absorb magnesium following exposure to warm water.
You can also coat the end of your self massager with a thin layer of magnesium oil, then using the massager to apply the oil to the affected area of your back or neck during massage.
3. Use a foam roller for neck pain.
If you have neck pain, a foam roller may be a better option than a traditional massager. The soft texture provides a more forgiving surface, making massage easier for individuals with sharp pain or limited neck mobility.
To enjoy this relaxing technique, roll the foam roller slowly along the neck until the center of the pain is found. Apply light pressure to the area with the roller until the pain eases. Repeat this process several times daily to get relief.
Please note that massage may not the right treatment for every condition. If the source of your pain is unknown, consider consulting with Dr. Sharma prior to beginning a new massage regime.
