subject: Fight Stress And Promote Well Being With A Fun, Relaxing 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.
Most people experience some slight pain or discomfort during certain parts of a deep tissue massage, so it is important that you advise your therapist of any such feelings that are beyond a tolerable level so that he or she can adjust their technique. The stiffness or pain you experience during or after a deep tissue massage will subside within 1 - 2 days; during which time your therapist may recommend the application of ice to the affected area.
Deep tissue massage therapy has been proven to be more helpful in the treatment and pain relief of diseases such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis than traditional methods, such as medication, physical therapy, exercise or chiropractic methods. While traditional massage therapy is administered primarily for relaxation, deep tissue massage is also used to:
Decreased mobility;
The effects of chronic pain;
Pain caused by injury or strained muscles;
Poor posture;
Stress and tension-related muscle spasms.
During the deep tissue massage, your therapist may ask you to breathe deeply when he addresses certain tense areas. He or she will use their hands, forearms, fingertips, knuckles and elbows to administer the massage. Because deep tissue massage works to flush certain metabolic waste from the tissues, it is important that you drink plenty of water after the therapy. And eating a heavy meal prior to a deep tissue massage is not recommended.
Deep tissue massage is not the right solution for everyone. Because the pressure being applied is much more intense than traditional massage therapy, it is not recommended for anyone who:
