Therapeutic massage, intense tissue massage, has taken root. This type of massage therapy applies intense pressure to the muscles and tendons to release the underlying layer of the muscular system from tension. Muscle tissue builds with stress, and tension is relieved with deep tissue massage therapy, similar to Swedish massage but with more pressure. This lies in the complex tissue layer of muscle with its various parts, including tendons and fasciae, which are the tissue enclosing muscles, bones, and joints. The main application of deep tissue massage is for musculoskeletal pain and injury related to muscle or bone strain and sports injuries.
This type of massage is most effective as it provides both physiological and psychological benefits. In contrast to the more general strategies for massaging, deep tissue massages help treat muscle pain and increase muscle flexibility. For this reason, they can also mentally relax you in moments of stress.
The effectiveness of deep tissue massage and pain relief
A study found that deep tissue massage helped reduce pain in people with chronic low back pain. The authors compared its effects to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
Some of the findings of this research are as follows: Benefits of deep tissue massage as found in the study are in the relief of sports injuries, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and tennis elbow epicondylitis. They also use it to treat high blood pressure. A research article in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a piece that showed that deep tissue massage helped to reduce blood pressure by about 10mmHg in individuals who had rested for 45 to 60 minutes.
Other benefits of deep tissue massage are related to stress relief. On this note, a meta-analysis conducted by the University of Informed in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2010 proved that deep tissue massage enhances stress hormones and decreases the heart rate while increasing mood and relaxation by releasing oxytocin and serotonin. Another 2013 study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that the benefits of massage therapy are both physical and psychological. While some are immediate, others accumulate over time.
Studies have shown that massage can increase a person's range of motion, strengthen the person's system, and provide a better sense of well-being. The authors say that while Swedish massage is for those only interested in stress relief, deep tissue massage can help with deep aches and pains.
We have seen above the many proven benefits of deep tissue massage; we can highlight some of them:
1. Relieve back pain
Whether chronic or intermittent, this massage significantly reduces pain associated with back muscle tension. It restores the muscle's oxygenation ability and blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
2. Increases flexibility
Relieving muscle and fascia tension improves muscle extension and flexion range, increases the performance of tight muscles, promotes better sports performance, and prevents injuries.
3. Promotes relaxation
All massages generally promote relaxation. However, this massage dramatically aids in releasing positive hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, essential in the relaxation process.
4. Helps to sleep
Pain relief, lowering blood pressure, releasing tense muscles, and releasing positive hormones enhance sleep.
Tips: You may feel sleepy after a deep tissue massage. If you can afford it, do it. You will get many benefits.
Techniques Used in Deep Tissue Sports Massage
1. Preparation and Warm-Up
The first step is identifying the specific areas where this tension or problem appears. The therapist then proceeds through a very gentle Imprinting phase, where the therapist administers superficial gliding contact to the muscles and tissues to warm up the body. This makes it easier to induce muscle relaxation during the session, minimizing discomfort.
2. Applying Deep Pressure
The therapist preps the muscles and then proceeds to the second phase of the massage, using very slow circular motions. These techniques often involve:
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- Thumbs, knuckles, and palms to focus force on a particular point of an opponent.
- Forces for greater and uniform pressure.
- The therapist uses variable pressure levels to reach the needed tissue depth.
3. Specific Techniques
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- Compression: Slow, continued compression on muscles to increase blood flow and decrease muscular tone.
- Friction: Quick and strong movements of the fingers or thumbs opposite the filaments' direction.
- Myofascial Release Filaments Willed, persistent force to separate fibrous bands in the stroma and regain tissue sliding.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Apply gentle pressure on either side of the muscle, paying special attention to tender points to relax muscles in troubled areas. Because of the extension, I'll have to pay more attention to sensaI'lls.
4. Session length
A deep tissue massage can take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the level of rigor found within a client and the parts of the body targeted for the massage. The pressure exerted is far more profound than that used in other forms of massage, such as Swedish massage, and therefore, the massage may be slightly uncomfortable at the onset. However, this is then diluted by relaxation as the session progresses within the set period.
Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
A deep tissue massage performed using the perfect technique will not cause pain. However, the pressure needed to undo the knots can annoy some people.
Some discomfort may carry over into the next day. However, deep tissue massage does not cause significant pain and immediately reduces problems in the treated muscles. As long as it is appropriately applied, deep tissue massage will not cause pain.
When to Avoid Deep Tissue Massage?
Avoid deep tissue procedures in areas with the following conditions:
1. Wound
2. Infection
3. Skin rash
4. Tumor
5. Abdominal hernia
Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
To get the most out of deep tissue massage, follow these helpful tips:
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- Adequate hydration: Drinking enough water before the massage is necessary so that the muscle tissue is ready for the treatment and responds optimally.
- Continuous message planning: A massage session every 2 weeks will keep the muscles in optimal condition and prevent the appearance of knots.
- Save some relaxing time: After applying deep tissue movement, it is best to wait 12 hours before training again.
Thus, you can enjoy its benefits without experiencing harmful interruptions or relapses.
Final Thoughts on Deep Tissue Massage
Pregnant women should avoid deep tissue massage, but a specialist doctor might recommend some adaptations depending on the case. Pregnancy massage is a safe massage for them. Instead, those who have undergone recent surgery or chemotherapy procedures need approval from trained staff to proceed.
Suppose the massage causes pain during and after the application. In that case, the next step is to report the type of discomfort so the therapist can readjust or suspend the exercise if necessary.