The goal of deep tissue massage is to break up the rigid bands of muscle that form adhesions. These bands restrict movement and cause pain. It’s important to communicate any discomfort to your therapist so they can adjust their technique or apply less pressure.
Aside from pain relief, massage reduces stress and increases serotonin levels in the body. It also helps increase range of motion and flexibility. Visit their Website to learn more.
Deep tissue massage can help relieve pain from chronic injuries, such as a stiff neck. It can also improve posture and flexibility, reducing long-term pain. It helps to release the buildup of toxins in the muscles and assists in the circulation of blood and lymph, ensuring that vital nutrients reach every muscle fiber and cell. This makes it important to drink plenty of water following a deep tissue massage.
The increased oxygen and blood flow that results from the massage reduces inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, allowing tissue to heal faster. It can also help to break down adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue that bind together tissues that are normally not connected, such as muscle, ligament, or fascia.
It can also help to balance the length-tension relationship of muscles, improving the flexibility of tight muscles. This can alleviate problems such as a stiff neck, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, or fibromyalgia. In addition, it can improve athletic performance and prevent injuries by releasing the tension in overworked muscles.
In addition, regular sessions can raise awareness of where tension is stored in the body, allowing people to take a more active role in their own well-being. For example, they may decide to see a physical therapist or go to the gym more often to address issues such as a stiff neck.
It is important to remember that, although this type of therapeutic massage has many benefits, it should not be done over bruises, inflamed or infected skin, unhealed wounds, swollen or herniated cysts, fragile bones, and tumors. It is also important to make sure that clients tell their therapists about any health conditions that might be affected by the massage, such as heart disease, blood clots, or osteoporosis. This information will help the therapist to avoid areas that are not suitable for deep tissue massage and ensure that the client is safe. Lastly, it is important to communicate with the client during the massage session and listen to their responses to determine whether the pressure is too high or too low.
Techniques
Deep tissue massage is an intentional therapeutic voyage into the layers of your muscular distress, addressing chronic pain and releasing stubborn knots. It’s not for the faint of heart and is best in the hands of a trained and certified professional.
To deliver the most effective results, deep tissue massages utilize a variety of techniques. A thorough client intake and assessment is an important step. It allows the therapist to gain a clear understanding of your expectations and comfort level. It also lets them know if they need to modify the treatment or add any additional techniques.
The therapist will apply pressure with the hands, arms and body weight on the soft tissues of your body to create the desired effect. Some discomfort during and post-treatment is expected, but it should subside within a day or two.
A good deep tissue massage session can help you release muscle tightness and improve your posture and range of motion. It also encourages the flow of blood, lymph and other fluids, which is important for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health.
Deep tissue massages can also be a powerful adjunct to other treatments, including physical therapy and chiropractic care. These therapies can help treat issues like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and sciatic nerve pain. It can even help with injuries such as rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.
Another technique is cupping, which promotes blood flow to the muscles and breaks up adhesions, or areas of scar tissue, that bind tissues together. It can also draw out toxins from the body and facilitate detoxification.
The massage can be painful at times, but it’s vital to communicate with the therapist so they can adjust the amount of pressure and technique. The therapist can also use ice packs or hot water bottles to reduce the discomfort. A good massage is one that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Be sure to take it slow, breathe and enjoy the journey!
Preparation
Deep Tissue Massage is an intentional therapeutic voyage into the depths of muscle layers to relieve pain, ease tension and rejuvenate a weary body. Unlike light pressure relaxation massages that skim the surface, this treatment addresses chronic pain and injury by physically breaking down adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Aside from relieving the symptoms, it also helps improve flexibility and decrease inflammation.
To achieve the benefits of this treatment, it is important to prepare your body for the procedure and take proper aftercare. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your session, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. You should also make sure that your massage therapist is licensed and certified to perform the treatment. This will ensure that you are in safe hands and that the treatment will be effective.
Before your appointment, it is a good idea to stretch and warm up your body, especially the muscles that will be massaged. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything before the massage, as a full stomach can be uncomfortable during the treatment. You should also dress comfortably, and wear loose clothing to allow the therapist to move around easily. It is also a good idea to bring a pillow and blanket to help you stay comfortable throughout the session.
You may experience some soreness or tenderness after a session, but it should subside within a day or two. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water after the massage, as this will help flush out any metabolic waste and reduce muscle soreness.
In addition to relieving muscle soreness, a deep tissue massage also releases the feel-good hormones oxytocin and serotonin. These chemicals are responsible for reducing stress levels, improving mood, and increasing feelings of well-being. In addition, they can increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and boost immune function. This makes a deep tissue massage a great option for anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression. It can also be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia, as it can improve sleep quality and help you relax.
Side effects
Some mild aches and pains are normal after a Deep Tissue Massage, but they should subside within a day or so. A little bruising can also occur, but this is not a serious side effect and it’s typically an indication that your body is healing itself. In some cases, you may feel a bit nauseous, but this is also a natural reaction to the release of toxins from your body and drinking plenty of water should help to clear this away.
Your therapist may suggest applying ice to the affected areas after your treatment to reduce any discomfort or stiffness. Staying hydrated will also help to ease any delayed-onset muscle soreness, and light stretching and gentle exercise can also be helpful.
If you have any open wounds, rashes or infections on your skin, it is important to inform your therapist before receiving this type of massage. In addition, if you have certain health conditions like osteoporosis or cancer that has spread to the bones, it is best to skip this type of massage as it could result in fractures as your bones are already weak from the illness (via Healthline).
In general, this type of massage is safe for most healthy people, but there are some situations where it might not be the best option. You should avoid this type of massage if you have recently undergone surgery, have a blood disorder or are on blood thinners. This is because your therapist will need to press hard on the muscles, and this can aggravate some conditions that affect the circulatory system and your ability to clot properly. It is also recommended that you skip this type of massage if you are pregnant as the increased pressure can cause uterine contractions.