What makes deep tissue massage so popular?

2012-06-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It helps to loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from the muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly.

For various reasons such as muscle fatigue, over use, poor posture, poor technique or sedentary lifestyle, adhesions form within the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain and inflammation, as well as limiting movement.

Deep tissues massage aims to combat these factors causing adhesions by physically breaking down knots and releasing deeply held tension points. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct, deep pressure or friction along the muscle.

Does deep tissue massage hurt?

The pain can be described as a “good pain” most of the time but due to prolonged pressure on the muscle and fricitions along the muscle and muscle belly will cause some pain and discomfort. Communication with the therapist is paramount to avoid you as a patient experiencing pain out of your pain scale range. For deep tissue massage to be effective, pressure has to be firm.

Will I be sore the next day?

After some deep tissue treatments you can feel thirsty and a little fatigued. This is because your body has been worked and the muscles have been treated with massage techniques aimed at decreasing pain. This may involve some pain and soreness the nest day or two. Do you feel sore after going to the gym? It should be the same sort of discomfort. It just simply means the treatment has been effective to gain a reaction out of the muscles.

It is important to drink lots of water and maintain a good nutritious diet before and after deep tissue therapy to gain the full benefits of the treatment.

What conditions does deep tissue massage help with?

· Chronic pain in areas such as the back, shoulders, neck and hips

· Limited mobility

· Recovery from injuries

· Repetitive strain injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome

· Postural problems

· Pain from osteoarthritis

· Fibromyalgia

· Muscle tension or spasm

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

What makes deep tissue massage so popular?