Deep tissue massage therapy is not just a Swedish massage with deeper strokes or heavier pressure. Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure and slow stroking movements to massage deep layers of muscle and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles.
Deep tissue massage is used to break down scar tissue and muscle adhesions (the "knot", we feel in our muscles are muscle adhesions, which are bands of stiff, painful muscle tissue). These knots can block our blood flow, causing pain and inflammation.
When you begin the massage, your massage therapist will usually start with lighter pressure to warm up your muscles and then work up to heavier pressure.
Common techniques used in Deep Tissue Massage Therapy involves traction, which is deep pressure that slides along muscle fibers, and friction, which involves applying pressure along the muscle to break down adhesions and align tissue fibers.
Deep tissue massages have benefits for both your physical and mental health. Any massage will have numerous benefits for the receiver, making them an an easy way to relax and treat your medical issues.
Deep tissue massage is a great stress reliever. Whether you're under stress at home or at work, a massage is a great way to unwind and relax for a longer period of time.
A massage can help lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin levels. This is a hormone that has a relaxing and calming effect on the body.
It can also help with physical stress symptoms such as tight muscles and shoulders and tension headaches. A deep tissue massage can address
of these issues and help your body relax.
There are a number of conditions that can be treated with a deep tissue massage treatment. Chronic back pain, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and a stiff neck can all be treated with massage therapy.
Muscle tightness, which is common with chronic pain, can also be treated, as deep tissue massage can relieve tight lumps of tissue that are causing pain.
Research has shown that deep tissue massage is more effective than
drugs or other medical treatments in relieving chronic pain, and is generally less expensive too.