Deep Tissue Massage Guides & Resources

What is a deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage is a treatment that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. This deep tissue massage is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back pain, and sore shoulders. As the deep tissue massage therapist adapts his or her strokes to your comfort level, you may feel intense or uncomfortable pressure during the massage treatment. This does not mean the massage techniques is causing harm. As pressure continues, it helps loosen tight muscles and you begin to experience relief from your muscle pain(in inner layers) and back pain by increasing blood flow. Deep tissue massages (also known as deep tissue therapy) works by physically breaking down soft tissue restrictions (also known as adhesions or trigger points - extremely common throughout the body) through applying deeper pressure than what is used in massages like Swedish massage or sports massage. Using slow or deep strokes and friction across the grain of muscles, it aims to reducing inflammation by releasing the chronic pain and tension in the body through slow strokes and friction and applies firm pressure on areas that need it. A licensed massage therapist will ask questions about your medical history and let you know if they believe that deep tissue massage or sports massage is right for you. The term "deep tissue" can be misleading because many therapists have been giving deeper massage over the years and calling them deep tissue massage, even though they might not be trained to give this type of massage therapy. This therapeutic massage involves applying sustained pressure and should be performed only by certified deep tissue massage therapist. People tend to hold stress and tension in their shoulders and neck - areas known as primary muscle chains . Deep tissue massage technique targets these chains (and others) and gets at the root causes of common aches and pains by helping to release chronic pain or knots in the muscles at trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots where contracted fibres have actually pulled the trigger and caused more blood pressure. Commonly, you can feel these as lumps or knots in the muscles. The massage therapist uses direct deep pressure along the length of the muscle and gets at any "knots" that may be found there. It is not a relaxing massage and should only be performed when requested by a client and deemed safe for them. Just like other types of massage therapy(sports massage), it should never cause pain, discomfort or distress. If it does, you should remove yourself from such placement immediately. Deep tissue massages has been shown to improve range of motion (ROM) if given over an extended period of time, such as several weeks or months. This remedial massage helps in better functioning of connective tissue in the body by easing the tight muscles and relieve pain like back pain. ## What happens when you get a deep tissue massage? The deep tissue massage technique is more involved to treat musculoskeletal issues than the Swedish massage technique because it takes into account your individual muscle mass, which can vary in different people. When you receive deep tissue massage therapy, the qualified massage therapist uses very firm pressure on areas of your body with tense muscles, also known as trigger points. The massage therapist applies slow passive movements(and other massage techniques) with his or her hands. Passive range of motion means keeping the joint at its normal resting length by moving only through the full range of motion that it already has. This gentle stretching helps lengthen shortened muscles and reduces scar tissue. As the muscle pain releases, it will feel softer and less dense. Your massage session will begin with lighter pressure to warm up your muscles before they are worked more deeply into using deeper strokes that go beyond the superficial layers of muscles. The massage therapist will breathe deeply and slowly to help you relax, which is important because stress can contribute to muscle tension and high blood pressure. ## Does a deep tissue massage hurt? The deep tissue massage therapy might be some discomfort to rigid tissue because it is not a relaxing massage technique and should only be performed when requested by a client and deemed safe for them. Deep tissue massage has been shown to improve range of motion if given over an extended period of time, such as several weeks or months. Some people say that deep tissue massage feels like somebody is actually torturing them, but during the actual session, you barely feel pain because the pressure they are using is very subtle. Any discomfort felt during the tissue massage will subside once your muscles relax from the session. Deep tissue massage does not involve physical therapy. Putting too much power behind your strokes will only cause more harm than good - causing further damage to already damaged tissues(scar tissue) instead of healing them. If you do not feel any pain during the deep tissue massage session and/or you feel like it is way too soft for your liking, then communicate this to your massage therapist and they will adjust their pressure accordingly. ## What's difference between a deep tissue massage and a regular massage? Deep tissue massage therapy is a therapeutic technique that targets the deeper layers of the muscles and tissues(scar tissue), whereas regular massages are more relaxing, giving less pain. If your massage therapist is only using their hands for the massage therapy instead of elbows/forearms, then it is probably not deep tissue (which involves a bit harder pressure). Deep tissue does not mean deep painfulness! Putting too much power behind your same strokes will only cause more harm than good - causing further damage to already damaged tissues instead of healing them. If you do not feel any pain during the massage session and/or you feel like it is way too soft for your liking, then communicate this to your massage therapist and they will adjust their pressure accordingly. A regular massage caters to your deeper musculature as a whole, whereas deep tissue is concerned with specific muscle fibres and can get to the deep layers to treat muscle pain. ## Are there any side effects to deep tissue massage? According to academic research institutions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( which are used to relieve pain) have side effects, but there are no side effects associated with deep tissue massage therapy, however, it is best to inform your massage practitioner if you have injuries or conditions, as they may advise against the massage treatment. Some people find that after a deep tissue massage, they feel exhausted due to the fact that it can stimulate your mental health which causes increased stress on the body. It is important to drink lots of water for 24 hours post-massage treatment in order to flush out any toxins released by the muscles. If you experience any bruising, the therapist should've informed you beforehand that this may happen. Deep tissue massage does not mean deep painfulness! Putting too much power behind your strokes will only cause more harm than good - causing further damage to already damaged tissues instead of healing them. When the massage begins, putting light pressure can help manage pain in the deep layers. ## How many times a month can I get a deep tissue massage? This remedial massage can vary depending on your level of fitness, but once every 3 weeks is adequate if you are an average person who exercises regularly. It depends on the functional capacity of your body. Less active people would need less frequent deep tissue massages, whereas more active people may need them more frequently. A deep tissue massage therapy can help to reduce pain in deep areas. In case of sports injuries, sports massage is done depending on the health conditions to reduce swelling and help in faster healing of the athletes.