What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a kind of massage therapy that concentrates on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is particularly helpful for chronically stressed and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. A number of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on regions of tension and pain.
So How Exactly Does Heavy Tissue Massage Work?
When there’s chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of distressing, stiff tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist regularly uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
Will Heavy Tissue Massage Harm?
At specific stages throughout the massage, most folks find there’s generally some discomfort and pain.
It is important to inform the massage therapist when things harm and if any soreness or pain you ecperience is outside your comfort range.
There is typically some stiffness or pain following a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day approximately. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.
Benefits of Heavy Tissue Massage
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a particular issue, like:
- Recurring pain
- Limited freedom
- Recovery from harms (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury, like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural issues
- Ostearthritis pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 individuals rated deep tissue massage more efficient in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medicines, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.
Heavy tissue massage additionally received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. We often discover improved range of movement instantly after a heavy tissue massage.
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms through the deep tissue massage. You might be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain anxious places. It’s necessary to drink plenty of water as possible after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.
Precautions
Massage is not recommended for certain individuals:
- Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Instantly after operation
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless urged by your physician
- People who have osteoporosis needs to consult their physician before getting a massage
- Prone to blood clots. There is a danger of blood clots being dislodged. When you have heart disease, check with your
- Doctor before having a massage
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant girls ought to be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
- Massage shouldn’t be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, stomach hernia, or regions of recent fractures.
Added hints
- Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage
- If it is your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the mandatory forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you’ll have a couple of minutes to rest and relax before beginning the massage.