Deep tissue massages are extremely common, and they have many benefits. However, when deciding what type of massage to get, most people don’t know which massage is best for their needs. Many people end up getting a deep tissue massage because it realigns the deepest layers of connective tissues and muscles.
Who Can Benefit from Deep Tissue Massage?
It is the perfect type of massage therapy for people who have chronic pain. It’s also helpful for people who have contracted areas. For example, two common conditions that can be soothed by deep tissue massage therapy are leg tightness, lower back pain, upper back pain and stiff neck. Deep tissue uses many of the same types of strokes that are used in classic massages. However, the difference is in the movement.
When a deep tissue massage is performed, the movement is much slower, and the pressure is applied much more deeply. It’s also used to focus on specific areas, which includes the connective tissues that surround the muscles.
How Deep Tissue Massages Are Performed
A lot of chronic muscle tension is caused by adhesions, which are bands of rigid tissue. This rigid tissue is located in the ligaments, tendons and muscles. The problem is that these adhesions can cause significant pain and block blood circulation; they can also cause inflammation, limited movement and pain.
A deep tissue massage can actually break down the adhesions. Once the adhesions are broken down, it restores movement and relieves pain. When a deep tissue massage is performed, massage oil is used. After the oil is applied, the massage therapist applies deep pressure in a targeted way.
For the therapist to reach deep into the muscles, it’s very important that the muscles are relaxed. Many people wonder if this type of massage hurts, and the answer is maybe. Everyone is different and experiences different levels of pain. What might cause pain for one person might feel good to another.
However, there are some points during a deep tissue massage that can cause some discomfort and pain, but due to the nature and purpose of the massage, this is unavoidable. Fortunately, it’s very easy for a patient to tell the therapist when he or she is in too much pain. After undergoing this type of massage, many people experience pain and stiffness, but these issues normally disappear within a day.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massages
One of the top benefits of getting a deep tissue massage is the fact that it focuses on a specific issue. For example, the therapist can base the massage on relieving chronic muscle pain, or it can be based on injury rehabilitation.
However, there are several different issues that can be treated with a deep tissue massage. Pain in the lower back, chronic pain, injury recovery, limited mobility and postural problems are some of the common issues that can be treated with deep tissue massaging.
It can also treat severe muscle tension, sciatica, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia and tennis elbow. A lot of patients like to get a deep massage after bodybuilding or an intense workout. Studies show that many patients think a deep tissue massage is effective than chiropractic care, acupuncture and prescription medications.
Deep tissue massages can work well for many individuals, however, you must ensure that the massage therapist is an expert.