Is a Deep Tissue Massage what your muscles need?
Deep tissue massage – what is it?
Deep tissue massage is a massage method that is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal problems, including strains and sports injuries. It involves putting steady pressure on the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues with long, gentle strokes. This helps to loosen up scar tissue that develops after an injury and lessen muscle and tissue tension.
By boosting blood flow and lowering inflammation, it might help encourage quicker healing.
Learn more about deep tissue massage in the next paragraphs, including how it compares to Swedish massage and what to anticipate during a session.
How Is Deep Tissue Massage Beneficial?
Deep tissue massage has both psychological and physical pros. Deep tissue massage helps to relieve muscle discomfort and reduce stiffness, in contrast to other massage treatments that emphasize relaxation. However, it can still aid in your mental relaxation.
A 2014 study with 59 participants indicated that deep tissue massage helped persons with persistent low back pain to feel less discomfort. The effects were compared to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil), by the authors.
Furthermore, others have stated that deep tissue massage benefits such as:
- high blood pressure
- fibromyalgia
- plantar fasciitis
- sciatica
- tennis elbow
- sports injuries
How Does It Compare With Swedish Massage?
Amongst other massage treatments, the two types of massage treatment are Swedish massage and Deep tissue massage. Both employ some of the same strokes, but they serve different purposes and need quite different amounts of pressure.
The following are the primary distinctions between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage:
Deep Tissue Massage Vs Swedish Massage
Intent
Deep tissue massage is generally used to treat muscular and sports-related injuries as well as chronic pain. Swedish massage is mostly used to encourage relaxation and ease tension in the muscles brought on by regular activities like sitting at a computer.
Focus Area
The deeper layers of your muscles are what a deep tissue massage focuses on. It is used to treat pain and stiffness in your major muscle groups and joints, as well as muscle and tendon injuries. Swedish massage focuses on the areas of your body that tend to contain the most stress, such as your neck, shoulders, and back and works on the outermost layers of your muscles.
Pressure
Deep tissue massage employs far more stress than Swedish massage, which is a softer style of massage. Both methods employ palms and fingers to knead and move your tissues, but a deep tissue massage may also involve the use of elbows and forearms to exert more pressure.
What Happens During The Massage?
Your massage therapist will want to know about your trouble spots prior to your deep tissue massage. Your entire body or just a specific location may be the focus of a deep tissue massage.
When you're ready, you'll be instructed to lie on your stomach or back under a sheet. Your level of undress depends on how comfortable you are, but the part that needs to be revealed must be done so.
Your muscles will be warmed up by the massage therapist utilizing a softer touch. After you warm up, they'll focus on your trouble spots. Deep kneading and stroking with varied degrees of severe pressure will be used.
Are There Any Negative Effects?
After receiving a deep tissue massage, some soreness may linger for a few days, this is normal. To ease soreness, try using a heating pad or a cold pack wrapped in a towel.
Deep tissue massage involves very firm pressure and may not be safe for everyone, despite the fact that massage treatment is generally safe.
Before getting a deep tissue massage, see your physician if you:
- Have a clotting problem or a history of blood clots.
- Are using blood thinners.
- Have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
- Have a bleeding disorder.
- Deep tissue massage should be avoided by anyone who has osteoporosis or cancer that has spread to their bones since the intense pressure could result in a fracture.
Also, avoid getting deep tissue massages if you're pregnant. Swedish massage and other softer styles of massage might be a better choice.
Rescheduling your appointment is necessary if you have an open wound or any type of skin illness in order to prevent the spread of an infection or the worsening of an already present one.
In Conclusion, People who engage in physically demanding sports, like jogging, or who have an injury or persistent discomfort should benefit most from deep tissue massage.
Swedish massage is kinder and can be a better choice if you have a low pain threshold or need to relax stiff muscles. If you have a health issue, talk to your doctor before trying deep tissue massage.
It's essential to schedule an appointment with a licensed massage therapist if you are considering getting a deep-tissue massage. Our team of well-trained massage experts are available to give your body the best treatment it deserves, leaving you with a memorable massage experience. Book an appointment with us today.