Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage, as its name says, focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Deep tissue massage designed to reach the deep sections of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibres.

Within the deep tissue treatment, by using deep tissue muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, the purpose of deep tissue massage is to unstick the fibres of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held tension points. Specific hand positions and strokes are used to respond to various tissues while breath and movement techniques are employed to release muscular congestion. Deep tissue massage helps to loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Deep tissue massage is both corrective and therapeutic. Deep tissue massage is beneficial for many physical problems, including sports injuries and chronic pain. Because deep tissue massage works very deeply, emotional issues can also be addressed, when these have been stored in the body.

Deep tissue treatments take place on a massage table on bare skin using oils. Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on specific areas and may cause some soreness during or after the session. If the deep tissue massage is done correctly, you should feel better within a day or two. Water helps to eliminate toxins from the body so it is important to drink plenty of water after a Deep Tissue Massage to help this process along.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Usually, deep tissue massage is recommended for specific problems. As a result, deep tissue massage treatments usually focus on affected parts of the body. Let us consider some of the benefits to be gained from this form of treatment.

Increased blood flow
Massage Therapists apply firm pressure to the muscles using fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows and forearms. This has the effect of increasing blood flow and thereby increasing oxygen supply to the tissues of the body. Increased blood flow also encourages the removal of toxins, such as lactic acid, from strained muscles and subsequently speeds up the healing process. This is beneficial to athletes following a heavy training session, for example.

Elimination of scar tissue
Deep tissue massage therapy also has the added benefit of helping to break up scar tissue and thereby restoring normal movement to muscles. Deep tissue masssage is helpful to athletes recovering from a sports injury or to individuals who have suffered an accident of some kind.

Improved posture
Many people have poor posture, often as a result of sitting hunched at a desk for long periods. Deep tissue massage can help to improve posture by allowing the body to realign itself. This is because the deep tissue massage treatment encourages the relaxation and lengthening of affected muscles and tendons.

Pain relief
During deep tissue massage, exerted pressure can stimulate blood circulation to painful areas and thereby help to relieve pain. Chronic pain suffers, and individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome appear to gain some pain relief from this treatment.

Relief of muscular tension due to physical or emotional causes
Those individuals who have chronically stiff necks, backs and shoulder can benefit from deep tissue massage. The techniques used in a deep tissue massage treatment, such as slow strokes and the application of deep pressure across the grain of the muscle, encourage the release of chronic muscle tension or spasms. The body is thereby encouraged to return to its’ natural state of alignment after your deep tissue massage.

Ways to maximise Deep Tissue Massage treatments

During your deep tissue  treatment, breathing deeply can help when your therapist is working on particularly sensitive areas although it is important to tell your therapist if you are feeling comfortable. Taking a sauna or steam bath after your massage can help to reduce any soreness you may feel as it encourages the muscles to relax. Stiffness after a deep tissue massage is normal and usually dissipates within a day or two. If advised to do so by your therapist, the application of ice to the affected areas may help before during and after your deep tissue treatment.