Deep Tissue Massage

Getting to the Bottom of Things

To understand this type of massage, it is first important to have a more thorough understanding of your body.

If you have been injured at some point in the past, or even if you typically hold a certain part of your body very tensely, you'll find that bands of rigid tissue will form.

These bands of tissue are known as adhesions and they are very inflexible.

Because they do not bend with the rest of your muscles, tendons or ligaments, they can be very difficult to work around, and you'll find that you will experience limited movement, some pain and some problems with circulation if they are allowed to exist.

In extreme cases, they can even create inflammation.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is essential massage therapy that will get right to the heart of things!

Essentially, the pressure that is applied during deep tissue massage will cut straight through to the deeper layers of muscle and tissue.

Not only will the massage be more thorough, it will also hit a level of the body where more chronic aches and cramps live.

Many people try swedish massage therapy in the hopes that it will affect things like a tightness in the lower back, or a constant pinched feeling in the neck, but find that they don't have any luck until they try deep tissue massage.

This is because of the fact that deep tissue massage will penetrate to a level where these aches actually are.

What to Expect from Deep Tissue Massage

If you are looking to try a session of deep massage therapy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

The first is that the strokes and movements that are used in other forms of massage therapy are repeated here, but the pressure is a great deal more concentrated and the movements will be a great deal slower as well.

Deep Tissue Massage You'll find that this pressure might be uncomfortable at first, but many people will quickly adjust.

Other people find that they need to ask the massage therapist to ease up a little, which is perfectly appropriate due to the fact that everyone has a different amount of tolerance for pain and pressure.

You'll find that in deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will apply pressure or friction across the grain of the muscles.

This essentially breaks down what adhesions have formed and you'll find that after a deep tissue massage, you'll feel a great deal more loosened up.

You may even feel warmer, due to the fact that adhesions can restrict circulation and deep tissue massage will restore it.

During this process, some pain may be experienced, but make sure to let your massage therapist know what you are feeling.

When you go in for your appointment, make sure that your therapist has a thorough idea of your medical history, whether you suffer from chronic pain in a specific area, or you have been injured before.

It is very important that any medical conditions that you have are made known to whoever is treating you.

Not only can this save you undue pain by having them take some care around a sore spot, it will also tell them what areas they should work on and where their work will be most appreciated.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

This massage can be used to treat repetitive strain injuries, posture problems, and limited mobility as well as chronic pain and even fibromyalgia.

This type of massage has been said to be more effective when it comes to relieving pain from osteoarthritis than drugs, exercise or acupuncture, and many people notice an immediate improvement in range of motion.

Be aware that to create the needed effect, therapists might use their fingertips, knuckles, elbows and forearms during the massage.

Remember that if you suffer from osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, or blood clots, you should always get a doctor's okay before going ahead with this type of massage.

Similarly, pregnant women should speak with their OB/GYN.

As always, people with contagious skin conditions, open wounds, rashes, tumors and recent fractures should avoid massage therapy until they are healed up.

Though it has a reputation for being a bit painful, deep tissue massage can do a great deal of good for people who suffer from any of the conditions listed above.

Always talk with your massage therapist about what to expect, maintain the proper lines of communication, and you'll find that you are in an excellent place to benefit from this type of massage therapy.