Whether you’re an athlete with a daily high demand placed on your body or recovering from an injury or illness, deep tissue massage likely has some benefits to offer you.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains such as stiff neck and upper back, lower back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
Some of the strokes used are similar to classical massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of the muscles and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles).
In order for the therapist to reach the deeper musculature, it is essential that the muscles are relaxed.
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.
It is important to communicate to the therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range.
There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.
The benefits of regular deep tissue massages include:
1. Treatment of Chronic Back Pain: A recent study concluded that regular deep tissue massages are far more helpful in combating chronic back pain than a regular therapeutic massage. The study was conducted by providing regular massages of both varieties to test subjects over a 10 day period to compare effectiveness.
2. Helps lower High Blood Pressure: A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that deep tissue massage had positive effects on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure readings in adults with pain and symptoms of high blood pressure. The study involved 263 volunteers with an average age of nearly 50. The results spoke for themselves, with average systolic pressure reducing by 10.4 mm/Hg, diastolic pressure reducing by 5.3 mm/Hg, mean arterial pressure reducing by 7.0 mm/Hg and average heart rate reducing by 10.8 beats per minute following massage treatment.
3. Reduces and helps with Scar Tissue: Injuries can cause muscle inflammation which prevents proper blood circulation in the affected areas. Deep tissue massages help ensure proper circulation, leading to faster and more complete recoveries.
4. Reduces symptoms of Arthritis: People suffering from symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, limited range of motion and stiffness should opt for a firm massage instead of a light massage. A light massage tends to lift the heart rate rather than relax the body, which is the desired effect of the massage in case someone is suffering from arthritis. Regular deep tissue massages will help ensure that symptoms are manageable and your day-to-day life is relatively unaffected.
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