Massage therapy is considered one of the oldest therapy methods to relieve pain and has become a popular form of massage. With time, it became a separate therapy and was taken seriously, which revealed incredible facts about massage therapy.
By the name itself, you might have assumed a few ideas in your mind about what is a deep tissue massage. However, many people confuse it with Swedish massage. In this article, you will get a brief knowledge of deep tissue massage. Read on.
What Is A Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy mainly used to relax deep tissue. The technique is considered to be highly therapeutic as it treats muscle issues like strains. Deep tissue massage also improves fast blood circulation to promote speed recovery. It involves using slow and deep strokes to target the inner layers of the muscles and connective tissues to help reduce chronic pain and injury in the body.
Initially, this massage technique was invented by a Canadian physiotherapist, Therese Pfrimmer, who was finding a solution to treat her leg paralysis.
Who Should Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
To be specific, deep tissue massage is a common massage therapy suggested for athletes and the treatment of musculoskeletal problems like strains, low back pain and other sports-related injuries. Apart from athletes and sportspersons, this massage therapy is best for people with muscle tissue problems like inflammation.
What Are The Advantages Of A Deep Tissue Massage?
Now we understand what is a deep tissue massage and who should get this massage therapy. Let’s move forward to know about the advantages of deep tissue massage:
1. Offers Stress Relief
Deep tissue massage benefits both physical and mental health. Getting it done will increase your oxytocin levels and decrease cortisol levels which means your body will be relaxed and remain stress-free.
2. Provides Pain Relief
Deep tissue massage can treat almost all musculoskeletal problems. Chronic pains can be removed with deep tissue massage as it will loosen the right tissues which are causing pain.
3. Breaks Up Scar Tissue
People feel pain and stiffness in the areas where they have scar tissue. Getting a routine deep tissue massage can break up the scar tissue by upgrading lymphatic circulation and drainage, ultimately enhancing flexibility and motion in that area.
4. Improves Injured Muscles
Sports-related injuries can stay lifelong if not treated correctly on time. Deep tissue massage is the best way to recover injuries as it reduces pain and improves flexibility.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
The fact that deep tissue massage technique gets into the inner layers of the tissue on your body, it ultimately improves blood flow and reduces inflammation.
6. Lowers Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms of arthritis include stiffness, pain, inability to move joints and sleep-related issues. All these can be treated by deep tissue massage therapy. However, it depends on how long you have had arthritis.
7. Reduces Labour Pain
Regular deep tissue massage can help pregnant women to lower down labour pain, depression and anxiety. Massage also reduces labour time and pain.
What Are The Side Effects Of Deep Tissue Massage?
People may experience discomfort during or after deep tissue massage. This is why you need to contact your doctor if you have condition like the following:
- Bone fractures
- Have gone through surgery recently
- Have bleeding disorder
- Have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment
Some of the most common side effects of deep tissue massage are:
- Lingering soreness
- Muscle ache
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- Nausea.
The Process Of Deep Tissue Massage
There are no particular steps followed to do deep tissue massage. All professional therapists have their ways of resolving the issues of their clients. Most therapists first inquire about the main area of the body causing pain or stiffness. Then, they ask you to lie on your stomach. The area being worked is required to be exposed. They will begin with your back, then slowly move to the legs, arms and shoulders to warm up your body. Once done, they will start focusing on the problem areas. You may face discomfort and pain depending on the amount of pressure they apply. The deep tissue massage therapy session varies from 1 to 2 hours.
How Is Deep Tissue Massage Different From Swedish Massage?
Most people confuse deep tissue massage with Swedish massage. But they are different.
Swedish massage focuses more on enhancing better circulation by the muscles and fascia, whereas deep tissue massage focuses more on knots, inner layers of tissues and deep fascia.
Be at Your Best With FlexiFit Physiotherapy
Now you know what is a deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage can help to reduce pain, stiffness, stress and much more.
Suppose you are in need or know someone who needs massage therapy. Contact us at FlexiFit physiotherapy to book a session with the best physiotherapist in NSW.
