A Deep Tissue Massage is a worthwhile investment in a person’s well-being, creative expression, productivity, and good health. In fact, many studies have shown that massage can help reduce stress, muscle tension, and depression symptoms.
Furthermore, it has significantly fewer side effects than drugs and pills administered by healthcare professionals to treat stress-related ailments. However, to enjoy all the benefits and zero side effects of a deep tissue massage, it is important to work with qualified professionals.
A deep tissue massage targets connective tissues and deep muscles. It can significantly help to relieve chronic pain and aches, such as muscle tightness, stiff necks, and lower back pain. The following overviews everything you need to know about deep tissue massages.
Techniques
There are several techniques that massage therapists can use in this type of massage. They include:
Active motion: This requires the cooperation of both the masseuse and the client. The client will stretch and flex the muscles while the masseuse works on them. Flexing the muscles will spread the muscle fibers so the massage therapist can work between them. Stretching the muscles will relax them and allow the massage therapist to work deeper on them.
Passive motion: This technique is very similar to active motion. The only difference is that the masseuse works alone. The massage therapist uses one hand to move the part of the body they are working on and the other hand to work on the muscle. It is relaxing for the client but significantly more taxing for the massage therapist.
Static pressure: In this technique, the masseuse uses their thumbs, their elbows, and their fingertips to apply firm pressure on tissues in the body. They need to move very, very slowly in order to properly penetrate each muscle.
Muscle stripping: This could be either rapid or slow. The massage therapist applies strong and firm pressure on particular muscles in rapid muscle stripping. It can be painful and aggressive, but it is effective in healing chronic pain or injuries that did not heal properly. Slow muscle stripping involves using the thumbs and elbows to apply firm and deep pressure on the muscles.
Negative pressure: In this technique, the masseuse uses suction cups to expand the muscles and separate them so toxins and lactic acid can flow easily as they are released.
Benefits
This type of massage has a lot of benefits for the client. Some of them include:
- It helps relieve stress. This type of massage is ideal for people who suffer from different types of chronic stress and its side effects, including rigid shoulders, tension headaches, and tight muscles.
- It helps rehabilitate and treat injured muscles. It flushes out toxins from the muscles and stretches any twisted or tight muscles. This is why it is frequently used on athletes who wish to rehabilitate injured muscles.
- It can also help to break up scar tissue with time. It also helps to improve lymphatic drainage and circulation, which is why it is often recommended for people who have already recovered from surgery.
- Since it helps to reduce tension and stress, it can significantly improve the client’s blood pressure.
- This massage promotes the production of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that promotes happiness.
- In various cases, this type of massage has significantly helped to relieve chronic pain better than conventional drugs. This is because it increases blood flow and reduces the inflammation that causes pain.
- It can help people with postural problems and reduce the pain caused by sciatica.
Side Effects
Specific techniques can be quite painful, especially rapid muscle stripping. Some people have a few bruises after this massage.
The negative pressure technique, which uses suction cups, can cause hickeys where it is applied.
There is usually a risk of dislodging blood clots during this massage. Therefore, people with blood clots and heart problems should consult their doctor first.
Many people complain about soreness after the massage. However, soreness usually decreases after some time. The client can use an ice pack to reduce the muscle soreness.
Conclusion
Many people prefer deep tissue massages because they are extremely effective in helping them relax while reducing stress and chronic pain. It is important for a client to discuss the appropriate technique with their masseuse. They should also understand the benefits and side effects of this type of massage so that they can get the most out of the massage session.
