Get rid of tight muscles, aches, and pain with deep tissue massage techniques. Deep tissue massage has some benefits if you are recovering from an injury or if you are a sportsperson with an increased demand on your body.
Massages have been used for thousands of years around the globe to decrease psychological and physical stress. Nowadays, research is consistently being done, whether used alone or in combination with other treatments, tissue therapy is a productive way to assist in treating common issues such as chronic lower back pain, shoulder tension, stress, anxiety, and arthritis.
The fundamental objective of deep muscle massage is to reduce discomfort and pain while improving the body’s ability to repair itself. The deep tissue is relaxing, helping to lengthen and release the muscles that often get stuck and feel tense in tight holding patterns.
What is deep tissue massage?
It is a technique principally used for treating musculoskeletal problems, such as sports injuries and strains. It involves applying targeted pressure with deep and slow strokes to reach the inner layers of connective tissues and muscles.
DTM assists in breaking up the scar tissues that result from an injury and decreasing the tension in the tissue and muscle. It can maintain fast healing through increased blood flow and reduced inflammation.
Deep tissue includes manipulating the body’s deep tissue layers, including the supportive tissues that make up the joints, muscles, and fascia.
Unlike other popular massage techniques, such as therapeutic or Swedish massage, which are light in pressure and involve moving the body into specific positions, the DTM is firm and slow.
The person receiving a deep tissue massage lies on their back or stomach in one position while a professional massage therapist applies specific pressure to particular body parts.
Massage is helpful because it relieves muscle tension and stimulates the flow of blood. At the same time, it releases oxytocin and serotonin, the happy hormones, and lowers psychological stress.
Most deep muscle massages focus on major muscle groups, such as the lower back or neck, as well as the tendons and joints that are vulnerable to injuries or strains. Some specific body parts that tense up when you are under stress, such as the hips, neck, and shoulders, can benefit the most from this kind of deep manipulation.
Numerous individuals regard DTM as a type of sports massage that includes physical therapy, principally for the neuromusculoskeletal system, to prevent injuries, improve joint mobilisation and muscle recovery, and treat disability and pain.
Several manipulative approaches to treating pain and other health issues have been used for more than 3,000 years, dating back to Chinese and Ancient Egyptian civilisations. Pressure therapy promoted better liver function, detoxed the body, and improved energy or life force, now regarded as lymphatic system activation.
The professional considers that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use deep and firm pressure for treating chronic pain. In the middle of the 19th century, deep tissue therapy began to gain attention in the West, starting in Canada and spreading throughout the United Kingdom.
What are deep tissue massage techniques?
Are you aware of the types and techniques involved?
If you have ever had a bodywork experience done in a Swedish fashion, with long strokes along the muscle lines, deep tissue is something different. The deep tissue technique involves cross-graining, working against the muscles to relieve pains or aches while moving with them. In comparison with standard relaxation therapy, it can be more painful.
Hence, the pressure in the deep tissue is excellent if you have an idea. It offers multiple benefits that this massage offers. Let us see different aspects in detail.
The DTM is longer and slower-paced compared to the other massages, lasting almost 1.5 hours, which provides bodily tissues sufficient time for warm-up and relaxation. The therapist who is professional in several techniques of deep tissue often provides the client with multiple services:
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They give you different tips for improving posture, which help lower pain and chronic tension.
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They are experts in treating specific areas that were previously injured or are extra tense.
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They have additional information related to stress and anxiety in the body, as well as improved relaxation techniques.
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They have basic knowledge of helpful stretches or exercises that you can do at home during a massage session.
What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue therapy has multiple psychological and physical benefits. Compared to other massage techniques that focus on leisure, deep tissue therapy helps improve stiffness and treat muscle pain. It also aids in mental unwinding.
A study conducted in 2014, including 59 individuals, showed that deep tissue massage helped reduce pain in individuals with chronic low back pain. There were multiple effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs associated with it, for instance, Advil (Ibuprofen)
People have reported that deep tissue massage assists with fibromyalgia, sports injuries, high blood pressure, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and sciatica.
Treats The Chronic Back Pain
The research compared the effectiveness of deep tissue massage (DTM) and therapeutic massage for the treatment of chronic back pain. It found that over a period of ten days, the DTM led to a greater improvement in pain compared with the treatment.
Assists in Lowering High Blood Pressure
Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that the DTM had sound effects on mean, diastolic, and systolic arterial blood pressure readings in people with symptoms of high blood pressure and pain.
Decreases Muscle Tension, Anxiety, and Stress
Muscle tension and chronic stress cause inflammation, leading to worsening general health, prolonged recovery time, and reduced cardiovascular and immune function, such as increased blood pressure.
Several Studies Have Indicated
Massage therapy can help lower cortisol levels and boost oxytocin production, resulting in soothing effects that relax the body. Oxytocin is the first hormone to increase motivation for cooperative behaviours and sustain social bonds in human beings. It is renowned as the cuddle hormone, and it is released during social bonding, birth, from touch, and during hugs.
Breaks Up Scar Tissue
Deep tissue is used after injuries to help break down the newly created scar tissue that is hindering recovery and causing stiffness. Treatments can decrease muscle spasms and inflammation by loosening muscles and stimulating blood flow to permit more oxygen. They can also assist in reducing the nervous system’s automatic stress response.
Improves Athletic Performance and Recovery
Deep tissue massage improves athletic performance and recovery. Sports massage, one of the most productive kinds of tissue massage for athletes, is best for preventing injuries and warming the body.
Can Help With Delivery and Labour Pain
Most pregnant ladies prefer complementary or alternative medications for assisting in the control of labour pain and sustaining a natural process of birthing, such as the Bradley method.
A Study Shows
Chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy are the most recommended alternative therapies during pregnancy. Because these treatments decrease cortisol levels and improve blood flow, expecting women are significantly protected from the probability of premature delivery and excessive fetal activity.
Reduces Symptoms of Arthritis
Massage is commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of different kinds of arthritis, including trouble sleeping, reduced range of movement in joints, anxiety, stiffness, and chronic joint pain. Firm massages are utilised daily for natural relaxation, and they are performed by the patient or by a professional.
What is the difference between a deep tissue massage and a regular massage?
Here are some of the different types of massage therapy:
SPORTS THERAPY
It is a treatment for athletes who subject their bodies to extreme physical stress while competing in sports. They may have minor injuries, stress-related wounds, or muscle soreness from the buildup of lactic acid. This style of massage is applied vigorously, which aids in quick healing and a great response.
SWEDISH
Swedish massage provides relief from stress compared to natural treatments for painful situations. It is performed with less intensity than sports therapy, but for an extended period per session. The principal techniques in Swedish massage are tapotement, petrissage, friction, and effleurage.
DEEP TISSUE
DTM is more intense than a sports massage. When you apply deep tissue techniques, you try focusing the pressure on a particular body part and fixing the issues in that part. Manual massage is an intense style of massage for both therapist and customer. It is beneficial in treating deep tissue problems that other types of therapy may not reach or may take a lot of time to see results.
REMEDIAL MASSAGE
The remedial technique is considered a therapy. It is similar to sports therapy and is not as intense as deep tissue massage. The idea behind this treatment is to plan the healing of an already present injury.
THAI MASSAGE
If you feel relaxed, happy, or good while having treatment from a Thai therapist, it is an excellent sign that the therapist is professional and an expert. While undergoing treatment, you may not feel comfortable. Many individuals are amazed by the profound physicality of the techniques, which include a mild amount of excess pressure. Still, the best part is experiencing positive feelings after completing the session.
Thai therapy practitioners can apply deep-tissue massage methods to specific medical and muscle problems. Anyone can be trained as a Thai massage therapist, but it is essential to learn the Thai technique well enough to distinguish it as a beneficial therapy.
What is deep tissue massage VS Swedish massage?
Before going for deep tissue therapy, you should compare it with other types of massages to understand what it is. Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are different kinds of therapies. Both involve the same strokes but differ in the amount of pressure and have other uses. Here are some of the significant differences between Swedish and deep tissue massage:
Pressure
Swedish massage is a gentle treatment that involves the least tension compared to deep tissue. Both kinds of massage involve using fingers and palms to manipulate and knead the tissues, but forearms and elbows are also used to apply more pressure during DTM.
Intended use
The DTM is used for the treatment of sports-related injuries and chronic pain as well as muscle injuries.fcd÷≥ When talking about Swedish massage, it is used for reducing the muscle tension resulting from everyday activities, for instance, sitting anywhere and promoting relaxation.
Areas of focus
The Swedish massage focuses on the outer layers of muscles and targets the body parts that hold most of the tension, like the back, shoulders, and neck. The DTM focuses on the muscle’s inner layers. It is used for treating the injuries of tendons and muscles, stiffness and pain in the chief joints and muscle groups.≥.l;
What happens when you get a deep-tissue massage?
The massage therapist will need to know about your problem areas before starting your DTM. The deep tissue massage can include just one area or your whole body.
When everything is ready, the therapist will ask you to lie on your stomach or back. The level of undressing depends on your comfort level, but the area that needs to be worked on must be uncovered.
Using a lighter contact, the massage expert will warm your muscles. After you are warmed, he will initiate working on your areas of trouble. He will use stroking and kneading with different amounts of deep pressure.
What happens after a deep tissue massage?
Although some of the strokes may appear the same as those utilised in Swedish therapy, the DTM is not a strong version of a Swedish massage. The DTM techniques are employed to break up scar tissue, adhesions, or muscle knots that can disturb circulation and result in inflammation, limited range of motion, and pain.
At the start of DTM therapy, light pressure is applied to warm up and prepare the muscles.
Some particular techniques are then used. Some standard methods are:
Friction: Pressure is applied across the muscle fibres to discharge adhesions and realign the tissue fibres.
Stripping: The gliding and deep pressure across the length of muscle fibre, utilising thumbs, knuckles, forearm, and elbow.
During the deep tissue massage, the therapist may use forearms, elbows, hands, knuckles, and fingertips. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the therapist works on specific areas.
What to do after a deep tissue massage?
After the treatment, you can feel some soreness or stiffness, but it can subside within a day or so. Many clients report that their muscular tension, aches, and pains are alleviated significantly after a relaxing bath with Epsom Salt. Always make sure to talk to your therapist if you have concerns or feel pain after treatment. After the DTM, drinking water may assist in flushing out the metabolic wastes from the tissues.
What conditions can deep tissue massage help?
The specific conditions for which DTM is recommended for the techniques are varied. Hence, some of the common issues involve:
Chronic back pain
The American Academy of Pain Medicine reports that numerous people are suffering from chronic pain, which is more than those who have cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease and diabetes. In addition to these, back pain is the most common type of pain reported, leading to 27 per cent of all cases of chronic pain.
It is also the primary cause of disability in people who are 45 years old or younger. The studies have found that deep tissue techniques can assist in easing the pain, permitting these people a chance at an increased quality of life.
Headaches
According to AAPM, severe migraines and headaches are the second most common condition of pain and body therapy can assist in these cases.
The Migraine Relief Centre shows that the reason behind this is that it increases relaxation, alleviates tension, improves circulation and blood flow, and eases muscle spasms. It is also beneficial for vascular headaches and stress.
Neck pain
Neck pain is linked with headaches and is the shared pain experienced by adult individuals in America, and manual therapy can assist with this, too. For example, a meta-analysis and systematic review published in 2014 in Evidence-Based Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined 15 studies and established moderate evidence that massage therapy provided relief.
Shoulder Pain
Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science reports that one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders involves shoulder pain, as it affects almost 66.7% of the population. The soft tissue therapy can often assist in reducing this kind of pain, sometimes in a few days. Around 36 sessions are thought to offer the highest level of relief.
Plantar fasciitis
According to JAMA Network, plantar fasciitis occurs when the fibrous band on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and irritated, causing pain around the arch and heel areas. The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine shows that deep tissue massage is an effective treatment for this condition as it aids in breaking the scar tissue, releasing the muscle tension, and resulting in the elimination of the condition.
Posterior interosseus syndrome
Physiopedia clarifies that this syndrome involves the compression of the posterior interosseous nerve, located near the shaft of the elbow and humerus, resulting in paralysis or paresis of the fingers and thumbs. Although dry needling, ultrasound, cryotherapy, and other modalities often assist with this situation, the deep tissue work is focused on the brachioradialis, triceps, pectoralis, thoracic outlet, and other related areas.
Client considerations
With the DTM, multiple queries often arise about how frequently customers should receive this type of massage, who these massages are not suitable for, the possible side effects, and how deep tissue work eliminates toxins. Here are some of the answers to your related questions.
How often should you get a deep-tissue massage?
The frequency at which customers receive deep muscle massages varies, as it depends on the individual and their specific issues. For people having particular pain complaints, there should be weekly visits for the first 3 to 4 weeks. It allows the body to accommodate the new lengths of tissue and the angles of pull on the bone structure. It requires some sessions to achieve the necessary posture, as the soft tissue retains a strong memory of previous positions.
The prevention of injury is a significant part of overall wellness and health. There will be a better result when the patient plays an active role in health and wellness.
Who should not receive a deep tissue massage?
The DTM is not for every individual, and it involves:
- The people at risk of blood clotting
- Those with recent trauma to the body
- Individuals diagnosed with lymphedema
- Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
- The individual who takes medication for blood thinning
People with severe osteoporosis should not do deep tissue work. The DTM can cause a lingering soreness, making the treatment unsuitable for people with arthritis.
That’s why practitioners must obtain an entire medical history for their clients. Some of these problems may be revealed by asking questions to protect the clients better.
If anyone has had difficulty getting the treatment comfortably in the past, or if the individual experiences complications after getting a session (emotional upset, bruising, pain), and they are not a good person for taking the DTM.
What happens when you get a deep-tissue massage?
It is normal to have persistent soreness for some days after tissue therapy. You can use a cold pack covered in a towel or a heating pad to alleviate soreness.
Although it is generally safe to have massage therapy, the DTM may not be safe for every individual, as it involves substantial pressure. You can talk to your doctor before you go for deep muscle therapy if you have undergone cancer treatment like radiation and chemotherapy, have cancer, are taking blood thinners, have a clotting disorder or history of blood clots, or have a bleeding disorder.
Individuals having cancer or osteoporosis that affects the bones should not go for DTM, as the pressure may result in a fracture. If you are pregnant, you can hold off on the DTM. In this case, a better choice is a gentle massage, such as Swedish bodywork.
If you have any skin infection or an open wound, you need to reschedule to prevent a new infection from developing or to prevent an existing one from worsening.
What are the side effects of a deep tissue massage?
As the DTM is administered using increased pressure compared to other types of massages, some possible side effects may be noted by the customer after the session. They involve:
VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM:
The blood clot present in the groin, leg, or arm is venous thromboembolism, which can travel to the lungs after receiving an intense, deep tissue massage.
BRUISING:
Although some of the customers have experienced bruising, every therapist should know that the DTM does not cause pain. There is substantial bruising in many clients and in more pain, after looking for another therapist for the deep tissue work, it is pointless.
SPINAL ACCESSORY NEUROPATHY:
Another study published in the Archives of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine showed that people who developed spinal accessory neuropathy had droopy shoulders and scapular winging after the myofascial release due to muscle weakness.
HEPATIC HEMATOMA:
It is one of the painful liver conditions. With myofascial release work, which includes the right upper quadrant and abdomen, there is pain in the right shoulder, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. In the right hepatic lobe, there is a large hematoma in some of the individuals, causing them to feel nauseous and have a fever for almost 6 months. Checking that deep tissue massage can create unintended costs is also essential.
Does deep tissue massage release toxins?
While some individuals believe this results from discharging toxins, particularly lactic acid, it is considered a myth, as the muscles do not retain this acid for more than one hour.
In addition to these, regarding the other toxins, the body does a great job removing them on its own through sweating or through the internal organs.
The only way deep tissue massages assist in this method is by helping the body rest and relax so it can perform other toxin-discharging functions. Educating people can help clear up this somewhat familiar myth.
Why do deep tissue massages hurt?
During the treatment, you might sometimes feel pain or discomfort as the therapist works on areas with scar tissue or adhesions. Pain is not good, and it is not a signal that the treatment will be beneficial. Of course, the body can tense up when in pain, making it difficult for the therapist to approach the deep muscles.
If you feel pain during the session, you can tell the therapist. The practitioner can change the technique or further prep the tissues if the outer muscles are tense.
Can deep tissue massage cause damage?
Are you familiar with the precautions of DTM? Deep tissue massage is not for every individual, and it is essential to find a well-trained therapist. If you have an existing injury, have nerve damage, are healing from surgery, are pregnant, or are wearing a brace or cast, then discuss this with your physician before going to a massage therapist.
Though there are very few chances, poorly performed treatment results in increased inflammation, pain, and other issues in a patient at high risk.
Massage therapy VS. Rolfing
Rolfing is a deep manipulation exercise that offers nearly the same benefits as massage. It aids in decreasing pain, correcting posture, improving healing, relieving tension, and lowering stress.
In 1950, Rolfing was introduced by Dr Ida Rolf, who initiated this practice to help treat the damaged fascia. These are the sheets or bands of fibres of connective tissue in the body, located under the skin, that support the muscles and organs.
Nowadays, Rolfing is performed in nearly 10 sessions by professional practitioners to treat conditions such as low energy, stress, neck or back pain, and limited mobility.
According to Rolf, Rolfing improves the functioning and overall alignment of the body compared to deep tissue massage, which focuses on relieving and relaxing muscle discomfort. The practitioners of Rolfing concentrate on the whole body to improve alignment or posture, rather than just addressing one specific tense area.
Massage Therapy VS. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is similar to other therapies, but there is something different. Chiropractic adjustments focus on correcting and manipulating spine alignment, which helps improve posture and reduce nerve damage that causes pain.
Similar to massage, chiropractic care can be efficient for improving recovery and lowering pain. It is also linked to lower headaches, stress and more. A simple way that chiropractic assists in treating pain is by irritating the spinal joints and lowering the mechanical compression.
In comparison with the other experts, the chiropractors get formal training. They are the physicians who require 4-year undergraduate training and also a 4-year doctorate in chiropractic education. Different people also get education for multiple years in nutrition therapy and numerous other healing modalities that improve immunity and lower psychological stress.
How do you find the best deep-tissue massage in town?
Working with a professional therapist is essential if you want to try deep tissue massage for the first time.
To find a massage therapist, you can ask your family and friends for their recommendations, ask your physical therapist or doctor for a referral or search on your own.
Keep some essential things in mind when you are sorting through the therapists:
CREDENTIALS:
Always ask for the credentials and confirm that the therapist is professional and licensed to perform massage therapy on various parts of the body.
COST:
Inquire about the cost per session before your treatment, and the therapist may offer multiple incentives, such as the option of a sliding scale. You can also discuss it with the health insurance provider, as some plans involve massage therapy, particularly for specific conditions.
AREA OF FOCUS:
Not all therapists are specialised in DTM. Some are professional in multiple types, and others provide DTM and describe the situations they experience during treatment.
A qualified DTM therapist
While the therapists must have a basic knowledge of the DTM, it is good to find a well-trained and accredited therapist. This is particularly the case if you plan to try neuromuscular therapy, which includes deep strokes targeted at the soft and delicate tissue surrounding the nerves.
According to the Centre of Neuromuscular Therapy, NMT is among the DMTs that prefer applying manual therapy, including quasi-static pressure, to soften the tissue for stimulating the skeletal striated muscle. In response to massaging the inflamed or painful muscle, the area surrounding the affected muscle is used to release the tension.
NMT therapists likely focus on multiple factors that can contribute to tissue or muscle dysfunction, such as neurotoxins, allergies, emotional well-being, nutritional components, disruptive habits of use, postural positioning, and joint pathologies.
Specific therapists have specialised training in the techniques that assist in treating people with limitations, inflammation, and injuries. Though more than one session is required to provide relief and monitor pain improvements, professional therapists can recommend stretches or practices for you to try at home to assist in healing.
The regulations for qualifications and requirements for massage vary from country to county. Normally, most of the qualified therapist requires graduating from the accredited program of manaul therapy.
For focused techniques such as neuromuscular therapy, always keep in mind that it can be more damaging than helpful, especially if you are already injured and working on healing. It is a great idea to mention your medical history, the sensitive areas and injuries to the therapist before the beginning of the treatment.
Multiple training programs are now accessible around the globe, requiring a minimum of 500 hours of basic massage therapy training, in addition to the regular credits that require 400 to 500 hours. Ensure you are in good hands by verifying that the therapist has proper experience and qualifications, particularly inquiring about NMT training, activating the point therapy, orthopaedic massage, myofascial release, pain management, and sports massage.
What is the definition of deep tissue massage? The final thoughts!
DTM therapy is a manipulative and firm bodywork practice that utilises movement and pressure to release the deep tissue layers, involving fascia and tension (the protective layer around the joints, bones, and muscles).
The DTM involves more pressure, lasts for a long time and is usually slow compared to the relaxation or Swedish massage. The advantages of the deep tissue technique include improving recovery from injuries, lowering blood pressure, reducing arthritis symptoms, treating anxiety, reducing spasms, and releasing chronic muscle tension.
The DTM is best suited for individuals involved in highly physical activities, such as running, or those with chronic pain or injury. The Swedish massage is the best option and a gentle solution if you are looking for relief from tense muscles or a low pain threshold. Talk to your doctor before you try DTM if you have a primary medical condition.
If you want the best deep-tissue massage, you are at the right place. You have found a professional and trained therapist who will initiate your treatment after taking a detailed medical history. Many patients feel a significant difference in our treatment compared to others. Choose us to make your life comfortable.
