A back massage can bring relief when the pain comes from tight or tired muscles, both in the lower back and between the shoulder blades. In Turin it is given by Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner, at the Crigan Massaggi studio at Via Monginevro 76/F, in Borgo San Paolo: a session lasts about 60 minutes, costs 60 € and is by appointment only.
By Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner in Turin · Updated on
Massage on the lumbar area, the lower part of the back.Illustrative image generated with AI
In brief
The deep tissue massage (massaggio decontratturante) works on the muscles of the lower back (lumbar area) and of the upper back (thoracic area, between the shoulder blades).
It can help a back that has stiffened from hours of sitting, driving, heavy work or sport.
Staying active, with gradual movement, helps more than bed rest.
See a doctor first in case of injury, tingling, weakness in the legs, fever or pain that wakes you at night.
In the lower back, muscular back pain shows up as stiffness when you get up from a chair or out of bed, with difficulty bending forward and a discomfort that eases after a few steps. In the upper back you tend to feel a weight or a hard spot between the shoulder blades, which builds up during the day at the computer or behind the wheel.
The pain often gets worse in the evening, when the muscles cool down after hours of work. Pressing on them reveals more sensitive spots, called trigger points, which sometimes make the discomfort felt in a nearby area too.
The causes
Why does the back stiffen?
Italy's National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) points out that back pain usually does not come from serious damage. Among the possible causes it lists sitting for a long time in a poor position, lifting or pushing heavy loads, twisting the torso, overexertion and a hunched position while driving (ISSalute, Mal di schiena, in Italian). It also mentions stress among the factors that encourage it.
At the studio the three most common situations are hours at a desk with the shoulders rolled forward, a lot of time in the car, and physical work or training without recovery. In all three cases some muscles work for a long time in the same position and stay tight even at rest.
What to do
What can help a tight back?
The first help is not to stay still. According to the ISS, people who stay active, with gradual movement, are more likely to recover quickly than people who stay in bed; walking, swimming or doing stretching exercises with a professional help keep the back strong and flexible. Some people find relief with heat, others with cold, always with a cloth between the pack and the skin.
Massage comes into play when the pain is muscular and the doctor has found no other cause: the MSD Manual lists it among the options for low back pain once nerve compression or osteoarthritis has been ruled out (MSD Manual, Lombalgia, in Italian).
At Crigan Massaggi the most suitable treatment for the back is the deep tissue massage. Mihail Crigan asks you where you feel pain and what work you do, then uses finger pressure on the trigger points of the lower and upper back, with 100% pure, organic oils. The pressure adapts: if a spot is too sensitive, it gets lighter. At the end of the session you receive a few stretching exercises to do at home.
Work on the upper back, between the shoulder blades.Illustrative image generated with AI
Sessions should be at least three days apart. If the tension rises up to the neck, a neck massage can be added.
Safety
When should you see a doctor first?
The massage at Crigan Massaggi is a wellness treatment (Italian Law 4/2013), not a healthcare therapy. Before booking, talk to your doctor if your back pain comes with any of these signs, which the MSD Manual considers warning signs:
numbness or weakness in one or both legs;
problems passing urine or opening the bowels;
fever, unexplained weight loss or severe pain at night.
The same applies if the pain started after a fall, an accident or an injury, or if it runs down the leg with tingling (see the article on piriformis syndrome).
Pain between the shoulder blades deserves extra attention. If it comes with pain or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, sweating or nausea, it is not a problem for massage: call 112 immediately, because it can be a sign of a heart attack (ISSalute, Infarto del miocardio, in Italian).
The deep tissue massage should also be avoided in case of osteoporosis, heart disease, venous thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy and pregnancy. When a condition needs a more accurate assessment, Crigan Massaggi works with a physiotherapist and a physiatrist, Dr Oriano Casamenti of STUDIO RONEFOR.
The studio
Where can you get a back massage in west Turin?
The Crigan Massaggi studio is at Via Monginevro 76/F, 10141 Turin, in the Borgo San Paolo district, Rione Lancia area. From Cenisia, Santa Rita and Pozzo Strada it is a few minutes along Via Monginevro. There is no paid parking zone (zona blu) around the studio and parking is free. Appointments only; directions are on the how to get here page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about back massage in Turin
How much does a back massage at Crigan Massaggi cost?
A back massage session lasts about 60 minutes and costs 60 €, like all treatments at the Crigan Massaggi studio at Via Monginevro 76/F, Turin. With the 10-massage package each session costs 50 €.
Which massage is best for back pain?
For muscle knots in the lower and upper back Mihail Crigan usually recommends the deep tissue massage. People who do sport can consider the sports massage, and people with very developed muscles the Maori massage, which works deeply with wooden tools.
How many sessions does the back need?
It depends on the problem, on age and on lifestyle. In Mihail Crigan's experience, people aged 18 to 40 who do sport usually need about 5 sessions and people aged 40 to 65 about 10, at least three days apart.
Can I have a massage if the pain runs down my leg?
Ask your doctor first, because pain running down the leg, especially with tingling or loss of strength, can come from an irritated nerve. If the doctor rules out contraindications, Mihail Crigan can work on the muscle tension in the back and buttocks.
Can I have a back massage with a herniated disc?
Only after talking to your doctor. When you book, tell Mihail Crigan about any diagnosis and ongoing treatment: the session follows the doctor's advice or is postponed.
Would you like to know whether a massage can help your back? Message Mihail Crigan on WhatsApp at +39 334 858 8535 and tell him where you feel pain and for how long.
Google reviews
4,9 / 5
average of 222 reviews
What do Crigan Massaggi's clients say?
On Google, Crigan Massaggi in Turin has an average of 4,9 out of 5 from 222 reviews. They are public and can be read on the studio listing before you book.
