Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic massage technique that helps to relieve pain and tension in the body. While other massage techniques are focused on prominent body parts, deep tissue massage focuses on the deep areas of the muscle.

Deep tissue massage has been the most recommended massage technique for the treatment of physical injuries and chronic pains. Apart from these, there are other things you may need deep tissue massage for. So, we will be looking at the benefits of deep tissue massage, why you need it, and where you can get a good one for your money.

What Is REIKI?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

The goal of deep tissue massage is to release the tension in the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, which can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance athletic performance.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE VS. SWEDISH MASSAGE

There are different massage techniques, but deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are the two most popular techniques used to provide relief and relaxation to the body. Despite the similarities, there are differences in the application and effect of these massage techniques.

Swedish massage is a lighter, more relaxing form of massage. It is designed to relax the entire body and provide relief from stress and tension. A Swedish massage typically targets the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissues using light to medium-pressure techniques such as long strokes, kneading, friction, and tapping to promote relaxation and improve circulation.

Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is a more intense form of massage. It uses deep, slow strokes and much pressure to focus on the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. Typically recommended for people with chronic muscle tension or pain, deep tissue massage is often used to treat specific areas of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.

Swedish massage is more suitable for relaxation and relief from stress, but to address pains in muscles, you will need an intense massage, that is where deep tissue massage comes in.

What’s The Purpose Of Deep Tissue Massage?

The purpose of deep tissue massage is to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas.

Deep tissue massage can help to alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress, and improve posture. It is also used to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. By increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, deep tissue massage helps to reduce tension and pain. It also helps to break up adhesions and knots, which can cause discomfort and limit the range of motion.

What To Expect Of A Deep Tissue Massage Session

Before a deep tissue massage session, your massage therapist will discuss your goals and medical conditions and ask about any areas of concern. It’s important to provide accurate information for a customized session.

Deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable at times as it targets deeper muscles, but the therapist will adjust the pressure and technique to ensure comfort. Drink plenty of water after the massage to stay hydrated.

During the session, the therapist will use firm pressure and slow strokes with hands, fingers, and elbows and may use other techniques like stretching, kneading, and cupping. Some soreness after the session is normal and should go away within a day or two. In the end, the therapist will check on your comfort and provide tips on managing any discomfort. Your session should feel like “delicious pain” not “scary pain” and like you’re accomplishing something each time.

9 Benefits Of Deep Tissue Massage

The benefits of deep tissue massage are numerous. Here are nine of the most important benefits that you should know about.

REDUCES INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or irritation and can lead to pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Deep tissue massage is an effective way to reduce inflammation and its associated symptoms. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist may apply firm pressure to the affected area to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This pressure helps break up adhesions or “knots” in the muscle, which can cause inflammation. The therapist may also use trigger point therapy to target specific knots or trigger points in the muscle. Trigger point therapy is designed to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.

IMPROVES POSTURE

Good posture is important for our health and well-being, and deep tissue massage can help maintain proper alignment and reduce pain and discomfort caused by poor posture.

Deep tissue massage helps improve posture by addressing underlying tension and muscle imbalances in the body. It stretches and loosens tight muscles, improves joint flexibility through circulation, releases endorphins, and reduces tension and stress. These benefits lead to improved posture, better balance, and body coordination.

RELEASES CHRONIC MUSCLE PAIN

Deep tissue massage can provide relief from chronic muscle pain. It targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, releasing built-up tension and reducing inflammation, leading to increased flexibility and reduced pain.

The therapist applies firm pressure using their hands, elbows, and forearms to affected areas, especially those in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Chronic muscle pain can impede daily activities, but deep-tissue massage can help reduce pain and promote relaxation.

BREAKS UP SCAR TISSUE

Scar tissue is a common problem for many people, whether it’s from an injury, surgery, or something else. Scar tissue can cause pain, limited range of motion, and other issues. Fortunately, deep tissue massage can help break up scar tissue, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.

The massage therapist can use kneading and circular motions to break up the scar tissue and increase blood flow to the area, this helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Deep tissue massage can be beneficial for those with scar tissue, as it can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. It can also help to improve posture and reduce stress.

INCREASES JOINT FLEXIBILITY AND RANGE OF MOTION

Deep tissue massage can increase joint flexibility and range of motion by targeting knots and adhesions in the deeper muscle tissue. It uses slow, deep strokes and pressure to break up adhesions and improve circulation of blood and lymph fluids, leading to reduced chronic pain and increased flexibility and range of motion.

REDUCES STRESS

Deep tissue massage is a way to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. It releases tension in the deeper layers of muscle.

When you are tired, the body releases hormones, one of which is cortisol, which is how the body responds to stress. By reducing cortisol levels and helping to relax the body, deep tissue massage can lead to improved sleep, mood, energy levels, and an overall reduction in stress.

REDUCES HEADACHES

Headaches are a common problem that can be debilitating and cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, deep tissue massage can be an effective way to reduce headaches and provide relief.

Deep tissue massage works to reduce tension in the muscles and tissues of the head, neck, and shoulders, which are the areas most commonly associated with headaches.

By targeting these areas with massage techniques, the pressure and tension in the muscles can be released, leading to a decrease in headaches.

In addition to relieving tension in the muscles, deep tissue massage can also help improve circulation in the head and neck. With this, more oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to the tissues, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

HELPS WITH RECOVERY AFTER INJURIES AND SURGERIES

Deep tissue massage can be a great way to help with recovery after an injury or surgery. It can help reduce inflammation and swelling, improve circulation of blood and lymph fluids, and reduce pain. This can be especially beneficial after surgery to help reduce pain and improve healing.

Deep tissue massage can be a great way to help with recovery after an injury or surgery. It can help reduce inflammation and swelling, improve circulation, and reduce pain. However, it’s best to first discuss pain management with your doctor beforehand.

IMPROVES CIRCULATION

Circulation is an integral part of overall health and well-being. The proper flow of blood and other fluids throughout the body allows for the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body, as well as the removal of waste and toxins. Poor circulation on the other hand can lead to a variety of health issues, including fatigue, pain, and even organ damage.

Deep tissue massage can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the area that is being massaged. This increased blood flow helps to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Improved circulation helps to reduce inflammation and pain, improve range of motion and flexibility, increase supply of oxygen to body parts and even help with recovery after an injury or surgery.