Did you know that deep tissue massage is more than 5000 years old, making it one of the oldest treatments for anxiety, pain, and other symptoms of cancer, osteoarthritis, and more? Since the dawn of time, humankind has used the power of massage to heal the body.
Over the years, many types of massage have popped up. It can be hard to find the right massage style for your needs. However, the most universally effective massage style is deep tissue massage.
The deep tissue massage benefits are well studied and proven. Not only will this type of massage speed up healing, relieve pain, and improve mobility, but it’s also incredibly relaxing!
If you want to know what all the deep tissue fuss is about, wonder no more. Read on to learn all about it and its benefits!
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
Before understanding the benefits of deep tissue massage, it’s important to understand what sets this style of massage apart so you can see why it’s so effective at what it does.
Deep tissue is a set of techniques designed to break down knots, scar tissue, and bands of inflamed muscle fibers. When left to their own devices, these areas will cause pain, limit the range of motion, and disrupt blood flow. The massage therapist will use a combination of their fingers, knuckles, hands, and even elbows and forearms to break them down.
The two most common techniques in deep tissue massage are stripping and friction. Stripping is where the therapist applies pressure along the fibers of the muscle, following the fibers from start to finish. Friction is pressure applied across the grains, which is useful to break up places where the muscle adheres to itself.
Some people hold a misconception that deep tissue massage is painful. However, deep tissue massage isn’t a stronger form of massage, it’s just a more nuanced and targeted technique. And, just like with any kind of massage, you can communicate with your therapist to find the right level of pressure for you.
You might experience some pressure and discomfort during areas that are particularly tight, but with a few adjustments, your therapist can find a pressure that works for you. In addition, you might be sore for a day or two afterward, similar to post-workout soreness, but this effect will fade and you’ll be rewarded with all the benefits.
1. Fewer Knots
More than any other kind of massage, deep tissue massage will clear your muscle knots, soothing your aches and pains. If you spend a lot of time at a desk or slouching on the couch, you probably have some amount of back or neck tension.
This is caused by your muscles getting contorted into unnatural positions, where they lock in place and stick to themselves. In addition, if you work out a lot or carry a heavy bag, this can also contribute to muscle knots.
A deep tissue back massage targets these knots, easing any places where the muscles are locked up. This is one of the reasons that people invest in a deep tissue massage roller as a DIY solution. While these can be effective, your therapist will be able to feel and more accurately provide relief.
2. Better Circulation
Tight muscles and awkward posture can contribute to poor circulation in some areas. Deep tissue massage can stimulate new blood flow and clear up any areas where your blood flow is constricted.
The massage will warm your body, and relax tight stiff muscles that inhibit blood flow. In addition, your blood vessels will dilate which allows your blood to flow more effectively.
In addition to blood circulation, a deep tissue massage can also improve your lymphatic system’s flow. Your lymphatic system is a major part of your immune system, clearing waste and toxins, in addition to fighting off foreign invaders.
Although deep tissue is not as effective for this purpose as a lymphatic drainage massage, it can still reduce tension and clear blockages in your lymphatic system.
3. Better Sports Performance
You’ve probably found yourself wishing your muscles ached less after a workout or were more flexible. Deep tissue massage can help with both of these complaints, and give you better performance in the gym!
A lack of flexibility is usually due to tight muscles that are either stuck or being pulled by tension in other parts of the body. If you’re stretching all the time and not seeing any improvement, it might be due to this kind of cross-body tension.
An experienced deep tissue massager can help identify the root cause, ease areas of tension you didn’t know about! In addition, they can help clear up some of that soreness that has you limping after leg day.
4. Mental Benefits
Having a massage is universally recognized as one of the most relaxing experiences you can have. This feeling of calm lasts for a long time after you hop off the table, even if you’re not aware of it!
Regular deep tissue massage therapy has been proven to reduce long-term stress, anxiety, and slow racing minds. This new tranquility is also linked to improved sleep!
5. Pain Relief
Some pain just doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pills. Deep tissue massage can reduce pain caused by several medical conditions including chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, and even plantar fasciitis. A deep tissue foot massage is, in fact, one of the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis!
In addition, arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. All of these symptoms can be treated with a deep massage, easing tension and relieving the pain that keeps you from living your best life.
Experience All the Deep Tissue Massage Benefits Today
The human body is an amazing thing. It can perform incredible athletic feats and even heal itself. However, sometimes the body can get stuck and needs a little help.
Deep tissue massage is exactly the kind of help your body needs for stress relief, chronic pain, sports injuries, and more. After one massage, you’ll become a convert.
Experience the deep tissue massage benefits today by scheduling an appointment with us!