subject: Combat Stress But Also Free Your Mind By Way Of A Soothing Deep Tissue Massage [print this page] While traditional massage techniques are used primarily for relaxation, deep tissue massage is designed specifically to reduce knots and chronic tension through the realignment of the body's deepest layers of tissue. Deep tissue massage also works to eliminate scar tissue and reduce inflammation. Because it addresses deeper layers of tendons, fascia and muscle tissue, it is particularly helpful in the neck, shoulders and lower back, which are often the place where stress-related ailments begin.
Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles - not with the grain - as in Swedish massage. The more intense movements and techniques used in deep tissue massage such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief. Deep tissue massage uses some of the same strokes used in traditional massage techniques, but the movement is more deliberate and the pressure used is more intense.
When someone experiences an injury or the effects of chronic stress and tension, small areas of hard, painful tissue - called adhesions - can form causing inflammation and pain. Deep tissue massage therapy can effectively break down these adhesions to return your body to its natural state, reduce pain and improve your body's ease of movement.
If you are one of the few people who do experience discomfort or any amount of pain during a deep tissue massage resulting from the firmer pressure being applied, please let your therapist know so that the proper adjustments in his or her technique can be made immediately. Any pain or discomfort you may experience from your deep tissue massage will only be temporary and should disappear within a day or two. An ice pack applied to the affected area will generally provide the temporary relief needed.
According to medical research, many people report that deep tissue massage is more effective than physical therapy, exercise, medications or chiropractic procedures in relieving the pain associated with osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. Deep tissue massage - unlike traditional massage therapy which is used for relaxation and rejuvenation - is also administered to address other problems such as:
Increase the mobility in our body;
Relieve the symptoms of chronic pain,
Reduce pain caused by repetitive injury strain;
Correct postural imperfections;
Relax muscle spasms often created as a result of stress and tension.
Your massage therapist will probably suggest that you drink plenty of water after your deep tissue massage therapy session to help flush out any toxins that are released as a result of your massage. The release is made possible by the use of more intense pressure by the therapist's hands, fingertips, forearms and elbows to administer the deep tissue massage and he or she may ask you to take deep breaths when targeting a sensitive area. Heavy meals should also be avoided before undergoing deep tissue massage.
Because of its intensity, deep tissue massage therapy is not recommended for people who:
Currently suffers from open wounds, bruises or any type of skin disease;
Has recently fractured a bone or had surgery;
Is receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
Experiences blood clots;
Is currently pregnant;
Has tumors, abdominal hernia or inflammation of the skin.
