Everything You Need to Know About Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage referred to as “Swedish massage,” is a form of massage therapy that intentionally targets muscle groups closest to your bones and/or joints. This is done to realign your muscles, relieving you of any built-up tension or pain.

Massage oils are often used, and therapists work to apply direct pressure with their hands to any and all affected areas. What’s good about this is that the therapist can reach these multiple layers of muscle fibers through slow movements and pressure.

What is deep tissue massage? 마사지

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that’s mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduce tension in muscle and tissue.

It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Read on to learn more about deep tissue massage, including how it stacks up against Swedish massage and what to expect during a session.

What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?

STRESS RELIEF

Deep tissue massage is a great stress reliever. Whether you are experiencing stress at home or at work, getting a massage is a great way to unplug and relax for an extended period of time.

A massage can help lower cortisol levels and increase levels of Oxycontin, which is a hormone that relaxes the body and produces soothing effects.

It can also help with physical symptoms of stress, such as tight muscles and shoulders and tension headaches. A deep tissue massage can address these issues and help your body relax.

REDUCES PAIN

There are a number of conditions that deep tissue massage therapy can treat. Chronic pain in the lower back, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and stiff necks can all be treated with massage therapy.

Muscle tension that usually occurs with chronic pain can also be lessened with deep tissue massage, as it can loosen the tight tissue clusters causing pain.

Research has reported that deep tissue massage is more effective for relieving chronic pain than medication or other medical treatments, and is usually more cost-effective as well.

LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE

Deep tissue massage reduces stress and tension, which impacts blood pressure. Massage has positive impacts on systolic, diastolic, and arterial blood pressure. The massage can also increase production of serotonin, which promotes good feelings and happiness.

BREAKS UP SCAR TISSUE & MAKES MOVEMENT EASIER

In areas where people have scar tissue, they often report chronic pain and stiffness.

Getting regular deep tissue massages can help break up this scar tissue by improving lymphatic circulation and drainage to improve flexibility and range of motion in the area of the scar tissue.

Many people who are recovering from surgery are often encouraged to get deep tissue massages to minimize scar tissue.

REDUCES ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

Deep tissue massage therapy can be used to treat many different symptoms of arthritis, like pain, stiffness, limited range of motion in joints, and sleep issues.

Moderate pressure can reduce arthritis pain and ease tension, making it easier for those with arthritis to move around. It can also help with sleep issues by alleviating pain that may keep arthritis patients awake at night.

REHABILITATES INJURED MUSCLES

If you have injured muscles, a deep tissue massage can help stretch tight or twisted muscles and can also facilitate the movement of toxins from your muscles.

Deep tissue massage therapy is used frequently to treat sports-related injuries. Many athletes are incorporating deep tissue massage into their recovery protocols, as they can help delay the onset of muscle soreness, help with muscle fatigue, and prevent injuries.

HELPS WITH LABOR AND DELIVERY

Deep tissue massage can help women control their pain during labor. Even prior to labor, prenatal massages are a great way for women to relax and ease tight muscles due to pregnancy. The increases in cortisol also help women minimize depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain.

Some research has even suggested that women who received regular massages prior to and during labor had less pain than those who did not receive regular massages and found that their labors were shorter than women who did not regularly receive massages.

SCHEDULE YOUR MASSAGE TODAY: 

Whether you are an athlete, suffering from arthritis, or are pregnant, there are benefits to deep tissue massage therapy that can help you.

Learn more about the benefits of massage and other techniques to reduce pain and inflammation on our blog and contact us today to book your first appointment and get on the road to wellness.

Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help to you unwind mentally, too.

A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce pain in people with chronic low back. The authors likened its effects to those of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).

People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:

sports injuries

fibromyalgia

plantar fasciitis

high blood pressure

sciatica

tennis elbow