Popularly employed to treat chronic aches and pains, deep tissue massage is a popular form of massage therapy. This method targets areas of pain or tension by applying concentrated pressure to the sub-layer of muscles and connective tissue, the tissue that surrounds your muscles.
The human body has multiple layers of muscle. Deep tissue massage is a more advanced form of massage that targets muscles and connective tissue located deeper in the body.
Deep tissue massage value
Deep tissue massage is concerned with re-aligning the deeper layers of connective and muscular tissue. It attempts to relieve chronic tension in the body by employing slow strokes and deep pressure on tense areas in or across the muscles, tendons, and fascia fibers. It's particularly beneficial for constantly tighter or more contracted areas, such as stiff necks, low back pain, and sore shoulders.
The term rough massage does not adequately describe the practice of deep tissue massage. Unlike just promoting relaxation, the specific lengthening of fascia, muscles, and tendons has numerous benefits, including increased joint movement, quicker recovery from injuries, better posture, and a more positive attitude.
Deep tissue massage is employed to treat common ailments such as:
- Long-term Pain
- Limited Mobility
- Recovery from Injuries (e.g., whiplash, accidents, and sports injuries)
- Repetitive Strain Injury (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Postural issues
- Osteoarthritis Pain
- Muscle Tension or Spasm.
DEEP BODY TISSUE MASSAGE OBJECTIVES
Dense tissue has been observed to enhance muscles' function and range of motion, dissolve scar tissue and adhesions and reduce pain. It's believed that when muscles are tense, they deprive of oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that results in the buildup of toxins in the muscle fibers. A deep tissue massage may facilitate the loosening of muscle tissue, releasing toxins from the muscles, and transporting blood and oxygen more efficiently. Because many toxins are released, it's recommended that the participant drinks a lot of water following a lengthy tissue massage to help flush the toxins out of the body.
The goals of Deep Tissue Massage:
- Minimize pain.
- Increase your posture.
- Increase the flexibility and perception of vagueness.
- Increase the fluidity of movement.
- Regenerate the metabolic state of the tissue.
DEEP BODY MASSAGE THERAPY
Deep tissue massage is similar to a traditional superficial massage, employing the same movements and techniques. The distinction is that pressure will generally be more intense, focusing on pain and tension areas. The motions are identical, but the pace is sluggish and more profound. During certain parts of the massage, the majority of people will report experiencing some discomfort and pain. Let the therapist know when they strike a tender spot and if any discomfort you feel is outside your normal comfort zone. Because of the focused nature of the session, the treatment can become intense at specific times.
Occasionally, there is some pain or stiffness following a deep tissue massage, but this should subside in a day or two. The massage therapist may advocate using ice after administering a deep tissue massage.
Benefits of deep tissue massage and why it's unsuitable for everyone.
After a thorough massage of the deep tissues, you may experience some pain and discomfort for a few days.
Benefits of deep tissue massage are more appropriate for those with a medium to high tolerance for pain.
Deep tissue massage is concerned with addressing knots and adhesions located deep in the sub-layer of your muscles.
Some benefits of deep tissue massage include reducing pain and inflammation in the lower back.
Many believe a regular massage is a body rub with soothing music and a pleasant scent that invokes relaxation. Amy Montia, Ph.D., LMT, and a medical massage practitioner at Physio Logic, says a deep tissue session may include these elements but is not necessarily restorative.
The objective of a deep tissue massage is to facilitate the restrictions of joint knots, and adhesions in muscle and fascia, Montia explains. A massage that targets deep tissue is beneficial for someone willing to tolerate moderate pain.
Discover what to expect during a deep tissue massage, as well as the benefits and how it compares to Swedish massage.
Massage of the deep tissues is beneficial
effect on the body by releasing restricted or injured tissues, Montia says. By applying the correct amount of pressure, deep tissue massage accelerates the recovery process "to alleviate pain", she says.
Read also: Why do you need to urinate after a massage session? Do you want to know?
What happens during a deep tissue massage?
Chris Minehan, LMT, founding owner of Reclaimed Being Therapeutic Massage, says there is no standard choreography for deep tissue massage, and all therapists have different styles that should be tailored to a client's individual needs.
Minehan usually starts on the back, as this is the most uncomfortable area. He then moves on to the legs, shoulders, arms, and finally the neck and head—which he finds most relaxing due to the many nerve endings in the scalp.
Montia starts with deep tissue classes, covering a broad area, and then focuses on specific muscles or areas. People have different pain thresholds, and deep tissue massage can cause discomfort or even mild pain. For this reason, Minehan says clients should control the depth and pressure of their massage.
While some discomfort is normal, it's not necessary. "If the method is performed too gently, the exercise cannot successfully dissolve the knots that form in the muscles" says Montia. However, too much stress or extreme discomfort can negate these benefits.
However, it is normal to feel soreness for a few days after a deep tissue massage. Deep muscle stripping and myofascial release (MFR) can cause bruising or pain, but the joint stretches performed during deep-tissue training don't cause pain for the next few days, Montia says.
Deep tissue massages vary in length, but are usually between 60 and 120 minutes. Minehan says 90 minutes is usually the ideal amount of time to fully resolve the primary ailment and to fully "touch" the rest of the body.
Swedish Massage & Deep Tissue Massage
Experts say there is overlap between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage techniques, but the biggest difference is the depth and perceived intensity of the pressure used.
"Swedish massage is more about promoting better blood flow to the muscles and fascia," says Montia. "Deep tissue classes focus more on the knots of the muscles and deep fascia. If you’re tense [or] sore from a pulled muscle, or you’ve got an old injury from a bad work environment, deep tissue training can be helpful."
Insider Snacks
The main goal of deep tissue massage is to relieve painful and tense areas, as well as loosen knots and adhesions in the underlying muscles and fascia.
Experts recommend deep-tissue massages for clients with a certain pain and discomfort tolerance the best way to find out if it's right for you is to try it a few times. You can ask to reduce the stress or intensity.
For those who are uncomfortable seeing a massage therapist during the pandemic or in any situation where professional massage is not available, a massage gun could be an effective tool Minehan said. They provide percussion therapy that stimulates muscle and nerve receptors increases blood flow, and relieves tension similar to foam rolling, but with much less effort. When using a massage gun for the first time, start on a low setting and move slowly until you find your comfort zone, so you don't hurt yourself.
According to Montia, massage guns can help eliminate knots and sore muscles, especially after strenuous exercise.
