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The Healing Power of Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage therapy technique used to help treat specific problems. Though it uses some of the same motions as you might find in Swedish Massage (or, to many people, ‘regular massage’), deep tissue massage is a much more targeted practice. For example, one might seek out a deep tissue massage session for any one of these ailments, to only name a few!
• Sports Injury
• Old Injury
• Chronic Pain (Neck, Back, Thighs, Etc)
• Repetitive Strain Injury (ie, Carpal Tunnel)
• Sciatica
• FibromyalgiaDuring a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist focuses on realigning deeper muscle areas, tendons, ligaments, and the connective tissue called the fascia that binds all the parts of our body together.
Using deep pressure, the massage therapist will aim to break up any adhesions that may be causing pain or tension in the body. An adhesion occurs when muscles, tendons, or ligaments bunch up together in a rope- or knot-like structure, often becoming tense and hard. Adhesions are no fun – they can block circulation, limit motion, cause pain and lead to inflammation. That’s why deep tissue massage tries to get rid of them.
A deep tissue massage session can be uncomfortable – after all, during a session, the massage therapist is applying hard pressure to areas of the body that may already be in pain. If you are sore after the massage session is over, this is perfectly normal. Your massage therapist may recommend icing sore areas to ease the discomfort. Drinking plenty of water will also help reduce soreness by flushing out the toxins that were released during your session.
If you do experience discomfort during a massage that is outside of your comfort zone, don’t hesitate to alert your massage therapist, who will then adjust or stop the pressure.
Not everyone should undergo a deep tissue massage, so remember to consult with your doctor before signing up for a session.
