Deep Tissue Massage
Our everyday life involves the constant use of our shoulders and back, from sitting behind a computer to driving a car. Apart from relieving tension and stress which is built up in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back and the shoulders, deep tissue massage has a plethora of other benefits.
In deep tissue massage, the massage therapist combines the application of firm pressure with gentle, sustained pressure. The direct pressure relaxes the top layer of muscles in order to reach deeper layers of the muscles tissue. In this way the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia can be worked on as well as the myofascial layers.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage has been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of medical problems affiliated with uncomfort and dysfunction. These problems include:
- Has been known to lower blood pressure
- Helps with injury rehabilitation
- Decreases chronic muscular pains
- Helps reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and tendinitis
- Can help ease pain associated with plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Has been known to reduce stress hormone levels
- Lowers the heart rate
- Offers stress relief
- Boosts mood and induces relaxation
- Can reduce the symptoms of scar tissue formed by old injuries, making movement easier
Does this massage hurt?
Your therapist may use their fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the massage to get to the targeted tissue. During a deep tissue massage, there may be moments where most people can experience some discomfort or a little pain. It is important to communicate this to your therapist so they can adjust their pressure to your comfort level. Some people believe deep tissue massage must hurt to work. But this isn’t always true. In fact, many people fall into a deep state of relaxation when they receive a deep tissue massage. It is normal to experience some stiffness after a massage, which should subside in a day or two.
