subject: Defeat Stress And Increase 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.
Some people report some pain or discomfort during a deep tissue massage; if that occurs during your session, it is important that you let your therapist know so he or she adjust the amount of pressure and movements being applied. If you do experience any discomfort as a result of a deep tissue massage, it should only last a day or two and any pain can be lessened by the application of ice on the area where the pain is centered.
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:
Decreased mobility;
The effects of chronic pain;
Pain caused by injury or strained muscles;
Poor posture;
Stress and tension-related muscle spasms.
At some point during your deep tissue massage, your therapist may ask you to take deep breaths while he or she targets a particular area using their knuckles, elbows, hands, fingertips and forearms to apply the pressure. Remember to drink water after your deep tissue massage to flush out the potentially toxic waste that is released via the procedure. Therapists also recommend that you avoid heavy meals prior to your session.
So, is deep tissue massage therapy the right solution for everyone? Because of the intensity of the pressure used during this type of massage, it is not the right treatment for anyone who has the following conditions:
Have skin disease, open wounds, bruises or a rash;
Have just undergone any type of surgery or experienced recent fractures;
Recently had radiation or chemotherapy;
Are prone to blood clots, as they may be dislodged;
Are pregnant (unless they opt for a prenatal massage);
