How does deep tissue massage work
Deep tissue is a method of massage, mainly practiced to tackle musculoskeletal problems, like sports injuries and strains. This massage includes using continuous pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of muscles and tissues. This action helps to break scar tissues created by an injury and reduced tension in muscle and tissue.
By increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, deep tissue massage may also help in a quicker healing process.
Continue reading to learn more about how deep tissue massage works and what happens afterward.
So how does deep tissue massage work? Exactly as the name suggests, this type of massage reaches deeper muscle layers. Trained therapists on this method use focused and strong motions that will stroke specific parts of the body that are in particular stiff or painfull due to earlier chronic pain or incidents.
Deep tissue massage, which is a method with clear intention, is basically a medical-massage. This means that this technic is not intended for relaxation like most other massage technics are.
One will receive deep tissue massage, with a fixed purpose (for example curing pain in a certain part of the body). Due to the pressured massage force on a specific area of the body, that is painful, one might leave sore after the massage. But of course, this soreness is a path to pain relief.
In contrast, one will go to a relaxation massage with a more general purpose of stress or tension relief. Because is a relaxation massage strokes are softer, and one can expect to leave with a more relaxed mood afterward.
Why do I feel sore after deep tissue massage
To answer this question we must first look into how deep tissue massage is conducted. In the event of chronic muscle pain, injury, and/or tension, bonding tissues in muscles and tendons become painful.
This pain in the tissues, which is called adhesion, may cause blood circulation blockage which will lead to soreness, restricted movement, and even inflammation in the body part.
In order for the massage therapist to be able to reach deeper musculature, muscles must be relaxed and pain-free.
Is having Deep Tissue Massage painful?
This is the question in most people before receiving deep tissue. The answer is yes, at some points during the massage, most patients feel some pain or discomfort. While receiving the massage it is important to inform the therapist about your soreness, and in case the pain you are experiencing is more than your comfort threshold you should definitely communicate it.
After a deep tissue massage, there is normally some pain or stiffness, but it will disappear after a day or two. The therapist will most definitely recommend you to apply ice to the massaged areas after the process is over.
How fast will the results of the massage present themselves?
One should have realistic expectations about deep tissue massage outcomes. Most people expect more pressure, with the thought in mind that if the masseuse uses more pressure and just pushes hard enough, their pain and stiffness will vanish magically in one session. This is absolutely unrealistic and not true.
In reality, getting rid of stiffness and built-up tension during the years is not achieved with one session of massage! To remove and undo all of this tension, the patient must commit to a detailed program that combines exercise, improving the patient’s posture and the way they move, technics are tricks for relaxation, and a regular plan of massage that will all happen during a rather long period of time.
In the long run, notwithstanding the fact that deep tissue is for sure a valuable technic, you should keep in mind and be aware that other types of gentle and relaxation massages such as craniosacral therapy will also create a deep relief and comfort in the patients’ bodies.
How often to get a deep tissue massage
A great number of people can benefit from this massage technic, be that as it may, a patient’s booking frequency will depend greatly on the situation and/or the symptoms they might experience. For instance, if a patient is suffering from a severe or critical injury or if they are affected bt chronic pain or a condition that is much more complex. Below some of these examples are presented:
Professional athlete
If you are a professional athlete, the number of massage bookings you will require heavily depends on your current activity level, whether if it is competition, recovery or even training. Massage professionals are very well competent to decide the consistency of each client based on their needs and the severity of their pains.
Deep tissue massage is particularly of importance for athletes in their process of muscle recovery, prevention against future possible injuries, and also in the preparation of the body for high physical activities.
Average people
For normal people who are after enjoying the benefits of the deep tissue massage, it is best for them to consult with a professional masseuse and come in for more general massages. Which is around once a month session with the professional masseuse.
Although if you live in Raleigh North Carolina, Step Above Massage in Raleigh can provide you best advice to know how often it is better for you to receive Massage and even which type of them is better for you.
It makes so much more sense that we should get massages more often to release the tension. One really nice massage will help our bodies feel better, but they won’t fix our problems. I’ll start looking for a massage center nearby so that we can make monthly appointments.