It’s not how deep you go, it’s how you go deep. ~ Ida Rolf
Deep tissue massage can help to alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress, and improve posture. It is also used to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. By increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, deep tissue massage helps to reduce tension and pain. It also helps to break up adhesions and knots, which can cause discomfort and limit the range of motion. I often incorporate a variety of techniques and tools when providing deep tissue work. These may include cupping (add-on), graston muscle scraping, trigger point therapy, therapy guns, stretching or Neural Reset Therapy.
Benefits
The benefits of deep tissue massage are numerous and clients come to me for a variety of them. Here are nine of the most important benefits that you should know about.
Releases Chronic Muscle Pain Deep tissue targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, releasing built-up tension and reducing inflammation, leading to increased flexibility and reduced pain. I apply firm pressure using my hands, elbows, and forearms to affected areas, especially those in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Chronic muscle pain can impede daily activities and diminish ones quality of life, but deep-tissue massage can help reduce pain and promote relaxation and tension relief.
Reduces Inflammation Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or irritation and can lead to isolated pain, swelling, and referred pain through pinched or impinged nerves. Deep tissue massage is an effective way to reduce inflammation and its associated symptoms. During a deep tissue massage, I apply firm to moderate pressure to the affected area to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This pressure helps break up adhesions or “knots” in the muscle, which can cause inflammation. I may also use trigger point therapy to target specific knots or trigger points in the muscle to relieve pain referred elsewhere in the body.
Improves Posture Good posture is important for our health and well-being, and deep tissue massage can help maintain proper alignment and reduce pain and discomfort caused by poor posture. Oftentimes our body makes adjustments in our gait, sitting or standing positions without us even noticing.
Breaks Up Scar Tissue Scar tissue is a common problem for many people, whether it’s from an injury, surgery, or repetition motion. Scar tissue is less elastic and can cause pain, tenderness, itching or tingling sensations, stiffness, and reduced range of motion of muscles or joints. Fortunately, deep tissue massage can help break up scar tissue, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.
Increases Joint Flexibility And Range Of Motion Deep tissue massage can increase joint flexibility and range of motion by targeting knots and adhesions in the deeper muscle tissue. It uses slow, deep strokes and pressure to break up adhesions and improve circulation of blood and lymph fluids, leading to reduced chronic pain and increased flexibility and range of motion.
Reduces Stress When you are tired, the body releases hormones, one of which is cortisol, which is how the body responds to stress. By reducing cortisol levels and helping to relax the body, deep tissue massage can lead to improved sleep, mood, energy levels, and an overall reduction in stress.
Reduces Headaches Headaches are a common problem that can be debilitating and cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Deep tissue massage works to reduce tension in the muscles and tissues of the head, neck, and shoulders, which are the areas most commonly associated with headaches. By targeting these areas with massage techniques, the pressure and tension in the muscles can be released, leading to a decrease in headaches. In addition to relieving tension in the muscles, deep tissue massage can also help improve circulation in the head and neck. With this, more oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to the tissues, which can help to reduce inflammation, increase range of motion of the head, neck and shoulders and promote healing.
Improves Circulation Circulation is an integral part of overall health and well-being. The proper flow of blood and other fluids throughout the body allows for the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body, as well as the removal of waste and toxins. Deep tissue massage can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the area that is being massaged. This increased blood flow helps to reduce inflammation and pain, improve range of motion and flexibility, increase supply of oxygen to body parts and even help with recovery after an injury or surgery.
Helps With Recovery After Injuries And Surgeries Deep tissue massage can be a great way to help with recovery after an injury or surgery. It can help reduce inflammation and swelling, improve circulation of blood and lymph fluids, and reduce pain. This can be especially beneficial after surgery to help reduce pain and improve healing. Please note that some surgeries or injury recovery may be a contraindication to massage for a period of time.
When to choose
The main goal of deep tissue massage is to release the chronic patterns of tension in the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, which can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
My History
My very first continuing education workshop, as a recently graduated massage therapist in 2009 was led by Eric Stephenson, President of imassage, Inc. https://www.imassageinc.com/ He taught 21 Deep Tissue Techniques and several of them I still use today in my daily practice. Deep tissue massage can be slightly uncomfortable, but it should never be unbearable or leave bruises. If you experience any pain during your massage, please let me know and I will adjust the pressure and technique to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the session.