Deep Tissue Massage
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage focuses on releasing and relaxing deep layers of muscles and connective tissue. Some of the same techniques that are used in a classic relaxation massage are used in a deep tissue massage as well but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions, or bands, of painful, rigid tissue in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Most people commonly know this as having “knots” or “trigger points”. Adhesions can block circulation and nerve flow, causing pain, limited movement, numbness, tingling and/or inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure, repetitive deep gliding movements or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
Will Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
At certain points during the massage, some people find there is usually some discomfort. It is important to tell the massage therapist if certain techniques or depths used are outside of your comfort range. Your massage therapist will be checking in with you throughout the treatment to ensure your comfort is being maintained and may also guide you through breathing exercises to help with pain management and further encourage relaxation.
There may be some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend some activities or remedial exercises that you can do at home to help prevent or diminish these symptoms.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Postural problems
- Muscle tension or spasm
