Deep tissue massage is a fantastically rejuvenating massage technique typically used to alleviate aches and pains from exercise or musculoskeletal issues. Deep tissue massage benefits are wide ranging but include bringing relief from sports injuries, a sense of wellbeing and relaxation, increased circulations and reduced inflammation.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage technique which uses deep pressure. Combining slow strokes and notable finger pressure, the purpose is to release the tension and tightness held deeply in your muscles and your connective tissues.
A deep tissue massage will typically focus on your primary areas of discomfort. This will typically be the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks and legs. However, it is also used on the arms, for example in the case of tennis elbow, or the feet, such as with plantar fasciitis. The increased pressure helps to alleviate any soreness or imbalance caused by injury or tenseness. If you have anxiety or are suffering with stress, a deep tissue massage will help to release the tension you are carrying in your body as a result.
Deep tissue massage benefits fall into both the physical and mental wellbeing camps. Most massages focus on relaxation alone. A deep tissue massage brings you these benefits but also helps you physically in terms of aches and stiffness.
The benefits of deep tissue massage are best experienced if you have a regular course of massages over a period of time. However, sometimes you just want that one-off massage to alleviate that troublesome knotty shoulder. After a deep tissue massage you can expect to feel a little tender in the area that has been worked.
It’s not unusual to get a headache after a deep tissue massage, or even to feel slightly nauseous. This is to do with toxins on the move in your body. Drink plenty of water, relax, and both of these effects will ease. You can also expect to feel rejuvenated in terms of your mood, due to the positive effects of the hormones that the deep pressure releases.
The main benefits of deep tissue massage include:
- Pain relief: Whether you’re struggling with a sports injury, living with plantar fasciitis, or have a chronic condition such as sciatica or fibromyalgia, deep tissue massage can bring pain relief.
- PHealing: The increased blood flow stimulated by the massage works to help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing of injuries.
- Lowers blood pressure: Studies have shown that massage can help to lower your blood pressure.
- Improved flexibility: Deep tissue massage can improve the range of movement in tight muscles, allowing for better performance and safer workouts.
- ARelaxation: Massage is a wellbeing wonder, and deep tissue massage has the same relaxing benefits. The massage boosts the body’s release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins ensuring you feel blissfully relaxed.
- Aids sleep: As well as helping you sleep better due to pain relief, a deep tissue massage can have a soporific effect later on due to the natural injection of serotonin your body receives.
- Break-up scar tissue: If you have large or notable scars, a deep tissue massage will help to release the tension created by the scar, working fascia loose and promoting greater flexibility in the area.