Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a very common type of massage. It focuses on a specific area of the body. During the massage itself, the therapist will apply long strokes of deep pressure along the muscle fibers. Using these deep tissue techniques, the therapist can actually realign the deepest layers of muscle tissue, attachment points and fascia, which is the protective sheath surrounding them.

This type of massage is best for long term injuries or chronic pain condition. This is a therapeutic massage that is good for easing up the knots and scar tissue that result from injuries. They can also ease the tender points common with many chronic pain conditions.

Treatment Expectations

Deep Tissue Massage is effective for long term pain that interferes with your range of motion. Due to its nature of the therapist working deep within the muscle tissue, it can be effective for many chronic pain conditions. However, deep tissue massage can also be somewhat uncomfortable as the therapist works to break up adhesions deep in the muscle and scar tissue forming from injury.

As the knots and scar tissue are loosened, you will feel brief intervals of relief from those individual areas. Overall relief may or may not be apparent during the session itself. It is important that you communicate with your therapist if the discomfort is more than you can handle.

Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage can offer the patient the following benefits:

  • This massage technique can break up scar tissue and promote healing from injuries that have a long recovery time.
  • Eases the pressure caused by trigger points that can exacerbate some chronic pain conditions.
  • Improves range of motion and mobility.
  • Eases sciatica pain.
  • It is effective in relieving many types of deep-seated, long-term muscle pain such as those found in the legs, shoulders, hips, and back.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not uncommon to feel sore or mild tenderness following your Deep Tissue Massage Session. This should resolve within a couple of days after your treatment. It is encouraged to hydrate and gently stretch the muscle tissue after a deep tissue massage, to encourage muscle health and flexibility.

Anyone who has a possibility of blood clots or a history of phlebitis or deep vein thrombosis should not have deep tissue massage. Patients who have recently had surgery, have osteoporosis, or open wounds should also avoid this treatment. You should always discuss with your massage therapist any concerns you may have about receiving a Deep Tissue Massage.

Proper hydration is always important. With the depth of the massage work your therapist accomplished from the breaking up of scar tissue, some degree of metabolic waste may be released into the body. Drinking water following your massage will help to flush this waste from your body and keep you hydrated.