What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique primarily 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 break down scar tissue that forms as a result of injury and reduces tension in muscles and tissues.
It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps relieve muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can also help you relax mentally.
Many studies revealed that deep tissue massage helped reduce pain in people with chronic low back pain. The authors compared its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps relieve:
- sports injuries
- fibromyalgia
- plantar fasciitis
- hypertension
- sciatica
- tennis elbow
How does it compare to Swedish massage?
Deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are two different types of massage therapy. Both use some of the same traits, but they have different uses and vary greatly in the amount of pressure used.
Here are the main differences between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage:
Use:
Deep tissue massage is primarily used to relieve chronic pain and muscle and sports injuries. Swedish massage is primarily used to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension caused by daily activities, such as sitting at a computer.
Pressure.
Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that uses much less pressure than deep tissue massage. Both types involve using the palms and fingers to knead and manipulate your tissues, but the elbows and forearms can also be used to apply increased pressure during a deep tissue massage.
Focus area.
Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your muscles. It is used to work muscle and tendon injuries, pain, and stiffness in your major muscle groups and joints. Swedish massage targets the superficial layers of muscle and focuses on the parts of your body that tend to hold the most tension, such as your neck, shoulders, and back.
What happens during the massage?
Before your deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will want to know about your issues. A deep tissue massage can involve your whole body or just one area.
Once ready, you will be asked to lie on your back or stomach, under a sheet. Your level of undressing is based on your comfort, but the area to be worked on should be exposed.
The massage therapist will warm up your muscles using a lighter touch. Once you warm up, he will start working on your issues. They will use deep kneading and kneads with varying amounts of intense pressure.
Are there any side effects?
It is not uncommon to have persistent pain for a few days after a deep tissue massage. Using a heating pad or a cold compress wrapped in a towel can help relieve pain.
Article from Academie.masso-cie.com
