What are the effects of deep pressure massage on a spine with slight scoliosis (scoliosis) and ribcage?

From the Guidelines

Applying deep pressure massage to a spine with slight scoliosis and the ribcage is not recommended due to the potential risk of exacerbating the condition or causing pain and tissue inflammation. When considering the effects of deep pressure massage on a spine with slight scoliosis and ribcage, it is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being. According to a systematic review on nonpharmacologic therapies for low back pain, massage was evaluated in 26 trials, but none of these trials specifically addressed the use of deep pressure massage on scoliotic spines 1.

Key Considerations

• The potential risks associated with deep pressure massage on a scoliotic spine, including exacerbation of the condition, pain, and tissue inflammation
• The importance of gentle to moderate pressure and specialized techniques, such as myofascial release or gentle stretching, in relieving muscle tension in the surrounding muscles
• The need for proper assessment and clearance from a healthcare professional before undergoing massage therapy, especially for individuals with scoliosis

Recommendations

• Massage therapists should use gentle to moderate pressure and focus on relieving muscle tension in the surrounding muscles rather than attempting to "correct" the spinal curvature
• Specialized techniques like myofascial release or gentle stretching may be more appropriate than deep tissue work for individuals with scoliosis
• It is best to work with a therapist who has experience with scoliosis and to obtain clearance from a physician or orthopedic specialist first 1.

Important Factors

• The structural changes to the spine in scoliosis patients, which can make the spine more vulnerable to pressure-related discomfort
• The altered positioning of the ribcage in scoliosis patients, which can increase the risk of pressure-related discomfort
• The need for individualized care and attention to the specific needs and limitations of each patient with scoliosis.

From the Research

Effects of Deep Pressure Massage on Scoliosis and Ribcage

• The study 2 found that massage therapy, including deep pressure techniques, can lead to improvements in spinal deformity and ribcage appearance in patients with scoliosis.
• A case study 3 reported that chiropractic manipulative therapy, which includes manual manipulation and massage, can help alleviate back pain and potentially slow curve progression in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
• Another study 4 found that a treatment method that includes deep tissue massage can be effective in reducing chronic pain in adult scoliosis patients.
• A comparison study 5 found that deep tissue massage was more effective than therapeutic massage in reducing chronic low back pain, which may be relevant to patients with scoliosis.

Specific Effects on Scoliosis

• The study 2 reported a 40% reduction in the magnitude of the Cobb angle, which measures the degree of spinal curvature, in a patient with moderately severe thoracic scoliosis.
• The case study 3 found that routine chiropractic manipulative therapy, including massage, may help prevent curve progression in skeletally mature patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
• The study 6 discussed the use of physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) in managing scoliosis, which may include deep pressure techniques, but did not specifically address the effects of deep pressure massage on scoliosis.

Effects on Ribcage

• The study 2 reported a reduction in left-right chest circumference inequity and an improvement in the appearance of the ribcage deformity in a patient with scoliosis.
• The study 6 mentioned that PSSE can help improve back asymmetry and stabilize a corrected posture, which may include improvements in ribcage alignment.