Deep Tissue Massage – A Complete Guide!
By Urban Company
10 min read
Nov 16, 2023
Uncover the benefits of deep tissue massage and know what to expect during your first massage session In a world of screens and continuous hustle, a massage allows your ...
Uncover the benefits of deep tissue massage and know what to expect during your first massage session
In a world of screens and continuous hustle, a massage allows your body to heal and your mind to recharge. Provided with undivided attention, a massage slows down the heart rate and enables you to focus on breathing. Suddenly all of your problems, even if for a quick few moments, seem to fade into oblivion.
As the name suggests, a
deep tissue massageis a therapeutic technique that focuses deep beneath the skin to tackle muscle tension and severe pain while improving your overall well-being. While traditional methods of massages focus on relaxation, a deep tissue massage offers myriad benefits beyond just being a rela
So, let’s look at the purpose and what to expect from a deep tissue massage. We’ll also delve into the benefits of deep tissue therapy and how it helps deal with pain, reduces stress and enhances posture. Here are some benefits of a deep tissue massage:
Benefits of deep tissue massage
Deep tissue therapy is a type of tissue massage that targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. Even though it shares some similarities with traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy addresses specific areas and involves more pressure. Here are some reasons why you should consider a deep tissue massage:
Deep tissue massage helps in pain relief
Deep tissue massages effectively alleviate severe muscle pain and stubborn knots. The method allows it to release this tension which eventually reduces pain.
Deep tissue massage helps in muscle rehabilitation
Deep tissue therapy can play a major role in your recovery if you’re suffering from an injury or if you’re fresh off an intense physical activity. The technique increases blood flow to affected areas and helps break down scar tissue. It can complement modern medical practices like physiotherapy and chiropractic and can alleviate pain and discomfort during their recovery.
Helps improve flexibility
Our joints and muscles tend to stiffen up due to limited mobility. This could be because of an injury or simply because of the sedentary lifestyle we lead. Deep tissue massages consist of stretching techniques that increase various motions in our muscles and joints, therefore improving flexibility.
Helps relieve stress
One of the underrated benefits of a deep massage is its relaxing effect on your mind. The intense procedure can improve your overall well-being and is known to have a positive impact on people’s stress levels.
Helps you correct your posture
Poor posture is one of the biggest side effects of a sedentary lifestyle. This could eventually lead to muscle imbalances and chronic pain. Deep tissue therapy can help correct these disparities and help develop a better posture.
Helps improve blood circulation
A deep tissue massage can stimulate your blood flow which eventually increases oxygen and helps nourish your body. A better circulation of blood flow can lead to a healthier life.
Helps release toxins from the body
A deep tissue massage allows your muscles to be stretched well which in turn releases tension and toxins that have been built up. This helps your body feel rejuvenated.
Irrespective of these varied benefits, deep tissue massages are not for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional before undergoing deep tissue therapy. And if you’re in the clear and are looking forward to a deep tissue massage, then here’s what to expect from it:
What to expect out of a deep tissue massage
A professional deep tissue massage will consist of an initial assessment. This is for the professional to understand your medical history and any concerns that may arise due to it before eventually easing you into the process.
Pressure
One of the first things you’d associate with a deep tissue massage is its intense pressure. A form of therapy that focuses on targeted pressure to deeper layers of muscle, it’s natural to feel discomfort and sometimes even pain. However, it is essential to let your therapist know about your pain tolerance so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
Focused techniques
Deep tissue therapy comprises specialised techniques such as stripping (putting pressure along the muscle fibres), friction (a form of circular movement that breaks down knots) and stretching to allow the muscle groups to breathe and reduce tension.
Breathing and relaxation
Your therapist may guide you through a few breathing exercises during the deep massage process to improve your body’s relaxation rate. This would help your therapist to work more effectively on these muscle groups.
Communication
It is imperative to have an open line of communication with your therapist. You could easily let them know if the pressure is too intense or if it causes you extreme discomfort. They will then adjust their methods to provide a more ideal experience for you.
After-effects and hydration
It’s common to feel sore after a deep tissue massage. This is due to the intense working of the deep areas of your muscles and the release of toxins. Keeping yourself hydrated and easing back into your regular lifestyle is a quick and easy way to recover from deep tissue therapy.
When should deep tissue massage be avoided?
While deep tissue massage has its benefits, there are certain occasions when it should be avoided. If, for instance, you have a history of blood clots, are taking blood thinners or running a fever, you should certainly avoid going in for a session. Similarly those who’ve had a recent surgery or are undergoing cancer treatment should also not undergo this massage.
Deep tissue massage is also not recommended for pregnant women or anyone who’s under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Post-session care
From stretching to other self-care techniques, your therapist may advise you on specific methods you could apply to maintain the benefits of the massage. They could even suggest follow-up sessions depending on their diagnosis.
Deep tissue massages can be your gateway to better physical health and an enhanced sense of well-being. Diving straight into deeper muscle groups and connective tissues, deep tissue massages address the root causes of discomfort and pain and are becoming one of the most popular methods of muscle rehabilitation. So, what are you waiting for? Make that appointment and begin your transformative recovery journey and rejuvenation now._Uncover the benefits of deep tissue massage and know what to expect during your first massage session
In a world of screens and continuous hustle, a massage allows your body to heal and your mind to recharge. Provided with undivided attention, a massage slows down the heart rate and enables you to focus on breathing. Suddenly all of your problems, even if for a quick few moments, seem to fade into oblivion.
As the name suggests, a
deep tissue massageis a therapeutic technique that focuses deep beneath the skin to tackle muscle tension and severe pain while improving your overall well-being. While traditional methods of massages focus on relaxation, a deep tissue massage offers myriad benefits beyond just being a rela
So, let’s look at the purpose and what to expect from a deep tissue massage. We’ll also delve into the benefits of deep tissue therapy and how it helps deal with pain, reduces stress and enhances posture. Here are some benefits of a deep tissue massage:
Benefits of deep tissue massage
Deep tissue therapy is a type of tissue massage that targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. Even though it shares some similarities with traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy addresses specific areas and involves more pressure. Here are some reasons why you should consider a deep tissue massage:
Deep tissue massage helps in pain relief
Deep tissue massages effectively alleviate severe muscle pain and stubborn knots. The method allows it to release this tension which eventually reduces pain.
Deep tissue massage helps in muscle rehabilitation
Deep tissue therapy can play a major role in your recovery if you’re suffering from an injury or if you’re fresh off an intense physical activity. The technique increases blood flow to affected areas and helps break down scar tissue. It can complement modern medical practices like physiotherapy and chiropractic and can alleviate pain and discomfort during their recovery.
Helps improve flexibility
Our joints and muscles tend to stiffen up due to limited mobility. This could be because of an injury or simply because of the sedentary lifestyle we lead. Deep tissue massages consist of stretching techniques that increase various motions in our muscles and joints, therefore improving flexibility.
Helps relieve stress
One of the underrated benefits of a deep massage is its relaxing effect on your mind. The intense procedure can improve your overall well-being and is known to have a positive impact on people’s stress levels.
Helps you correct your posture
Poor posture is one of the biggest side effects of a sedentary lifestyle. This could eventually lead to muscle imbalances and chronic pain. Deep tissue therapy can help correct these disparities and help develop a better posture.
Helps improve blood circulation
A deep tissue massage can stimulate your blood flow which eventually increases oxygen and helps nourish your body. A better circulation of blood flow can lead to a healthier life.
Helps release toxins from the body
A deep tissue massage allows your muscles to be stretched well which in turn releases tension and toxins that have been built up. This helps your body feel rejuvenated.
Irrespective of these varied benefits, deep tissue massages are not for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional before undergoing deep tissue therapy. And if you’re in the clear and are looking forward to a deep tissue massage, then here’s what to expect from it:
What to expect out of a deep tissue massage
A professional deep tissue massage will consist of an initial assessment. This is for the professional to understand your medical history and any concerns that may arise due to it before eventually easing you into the process.
Pressure
One of the first things you’d associate with a deep tissue massage is its intense pressure. A form of therapy that focuses on targeted pressure to deeper layers of muscle, it’s natural to feel discomfort and sometimes even pain. However, it is essential to let your therapist know about your pain tolerance so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
Focused techniques
Deep tissue therapy comprises specialised techniques such as stripping (putting pressure along the muscle fibres), friction (a form of circular movement that breaks down knots) and stretching to allow the muscle groups to breathe and reduce tension.
Breathing and relaxation
Your therapist may guide you through a few breathing exercises during the deep massage process to improve your body’s relaxation rate. This would help your therapist to work more effectively on these muscle groups.
Communication
It is imperative to have an open line of communication with your therapist. You could easily let them know if the pressure is too intense or if it causes you extreme discomfort. They will then adjust their methods to provide a more ideal experience for you.
After-effects and hydration
It’s common to feel sore after a deep tissue massage. This is due to the intense working of the deep areas of your muscles and the release of toxins. Keeping yourself hydrated and easing back into your regular lifestyle is a quick and easy way to recover from deep tissue therapy.
When should deep tissue massage be avoided?
While deep tissue massage has its benefits, there are certain occasions when it should be avoided. If, for instance, you have a history of blood clots, are taking blood thinners or running a fever, you should certainly avoid going in for a session. Similarly those who’ve had a recent surgery or are undergoing cancer treatment should also not undergo this massage.
Deep tissue massage is also not recommended for pregnant women or anyone who’s under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Post-session care
From stretching to other self-care techniques, your therapist may advise you on specific methods you could apply to maintain the benefits of the massage. They could even suggest follow-up sessions depending on their diagnosis.
Deep tissue massages can be your gateway to better physical health and an enhanced sense of well-being. Diving straight into deeper muscle groups and connective tissues, deep tissue massages address the root causes of discomfort and pain and are becoming one of the most popular methods of muscle rehabilitation. So, what are you waiting for? Make that appointment and begin your transformative recovery journey and rejuvenation now.