Before showing you the great benefits that Deep Tissue Massage brings with it, and what you should expect from it, you have to know what it is and when it should be used.
What is Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage therapy technique that has been used for thousands of years all around the world to treat injuries involving the muscles, which are mostly strains and sport injuries. Its basis is Swedish massage as similar strokes are implemented, the difference is that Deep Tissue Massage targets under the surface layer to relieve the musculature discomfort and a higher amount of pressure is used.
Athletes are heavy users of this technique as it is a great way to prepare their body for sports events and play an important role in injured muscles rehabilitation. It is used with the purpose of breaking up scar tissue that is generated after the injury is made, as well as those painful “knots”. This is done by applying firm pressure through deep and slow strokes to the area to be treated.
The pressure used increases moderately through the session. First, just some light pressure is applied along with an essential oil to prepare the areas that will be treated. Then, with the help of the thumbs, elbows, and knuckles some more pressure is used in a deeper way. Until finally the inner layer of the muscle is targeted to reduce the tension in it and break up the scar tissue with the implementation of more pressure.
Now that you know what it is and when is used, here are some benefits of Deep Tissue Massage.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
As you might have notice, the benefits range of this technique is wide, it offers more than just muscle preparation and/or rehabilitation. While these are the most common usages of it, its benefits go from blood pressure reduction to stress relief and that’s why it has been used for so long. Deep Tissue Massage contributes with:
- The increase of blood flow
- The reduction of inflammation
- The reduction of blood pressure; as stress and tension are released thanks to the massage, it has a positive impact on the systolic, diastolic, and arterial pressure as it is shown in a study that involved around 250 people.
- The increase of motion; as muscle hardness is relived with this technique it makes movement easier.
- The reduction of arthritis symptoms; some symptoms that come along with the arthritis can be relieved with the massage like pain and stiffness, and as it was mentioned previously, range motion can be increased.
- It also helps with labor and pregnancy as it can help with pain control and relaxation of tight muscles.
- The reduction of pain; it can help to reduce various pains such as neck pain, lower and upper back pain, and It’s even used for chronic muscle pain.
- Tennis elbow; it can be improved with the reduction of the inflammation and the increase in circulation.
- Sciatica; Deep Tissue Massage can help with the relieve of stress in the sciatica nerves
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Risks of Deep Tissue Massage
Massage therapy is in general safe and not harmful at all, but as Deep Tissue Massage implements firm pressure it is better to consult a doctor and/or talk with your therapist before going through a session of it if:
- You suffer from a clotting disorder
- You have a bleeding disorder
- You use blood thinners
- You are going through cancer treatment
- You have a nerve injury
- Osteoporosis
What to expect from Deep Tissue Massage
Although Deep Tissue Massage has many benefits, there are a couple things you should consider before deciding if it is the suitable type of massage for you.
First, you should know that each person’s experience is different as each one’s body and necessities vary. But it is important to highlight that due to the high amount of pressure that it’s implemented some discomfort might be experienced during the session, as well as some stiffness and soreness during the following days of the session.
Regarding what you will be wearing during the session you should know that during any massage it depends on how you feel comfortable, you can be completely undressed or just partially. But the area to be treated must be exposed so the massage can be properly performed.
Now that you know what it is, the benefits, the risks, and what to expect from Deep Tissue Massage, you can decide if it is suitable for you. And if it is, don’t hesitate to schedule your massage with us at the JC Valleys Wellness Clinic web page!
