The Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage differs from a regular massage in that its emphasis goes beyond mere relaxation and attempts to realign deeper layers of muscles. Deep tissue massage addresses chronic pain, muscles in spasm, stiff neck, pain in the lower back, tightness of leg muscle, and shoulder soreness.
What deep tissue massage does
Deep tissue massage uses some of the massage strokes of traditional massage, but they are adapted to have a slower movement, deeper pressure, and focus on the sub-layer of muscles and the connective tissue around them. It addresses the adhesions in ligaments, muscles and tendons that occur with injury or chronic muscular tension.
These adhesions interfere with proper circulation, allowing waste products to remain in the muscles where they further add to the adhesions. The adhesions also restrict normal movement, and cause discomfort and inflammation. A deep tissue massage can break up these adhesions so they can be moved out of the muscles, tendons and ligaments by the blood stream.
How deep tissue massage feels
At some point during the deep tissue massage, the client will likely feel pain from the pressure being used by the massage therapist. If the pain is bearable, it is good to let it continue as it is reaching parts of the muscles and their surrounding structure that need to be loosened in order to heal.
If the pain is unbearable, the client needs to tell the massage therapist. There is usually a certain point in the muscular release that the endorphins begin to be released, and their release mitigates the pain to a degree.
If you have ever heard the phrase “it hurts so good,” this can easily describe the pain that occurs during a deep tissue massage. Massage therapists often use their elbows, forearms, and knuckles as well as their fingertips during a deep tissue massage.
There may also be pain or discomfort afterward, but it only lasts for a day or so. An ice pack helps reduce the pain. The real treat comes with the second deep tissue massage. As soon as your muscles feel the beginning of the deep work, they quickly release the endorphins and flood your body with feel good hormones.
Conditions that do well with deep tissue massage
While there are many people who prefer deep tissue massage to the regular kind, deep tissue massage is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
• Chronic, unremitting muscular pain
• Pain in the lower back
• Mobility problems stemming from tight, sore or underused muscles
• Sports injuries, damaged muscles from falls, and injuries like whiplash
• Repetitive injuries from work
• Problems with posture due to muscular issues
• Muscle tension in any areas that inhibit mobility
• The pain and immobility of osteoarthritis
• Sciatic pain and piriformis pain
• The trigger points of fibromyalgia
• As an adjunct to workouts.
Deep tissue massage is not for everyone
The following people need to consult their doctor before getting deep tissue massage therapy:
• People with a history of blood clots
• Recent surgical patients
• Persons receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments
• Folks with osteoporosis
• Anyone with bruises, skin infections or rashes, open wounds, abdominal hernias, or dangerously fragile bones
• Pregnant women.
Deep tissue massages loosen up the body’s structural system in a way that regular massages cannot do.