Deep tissue massage therapy focuses on musculoskeletal damages that can occur from sprains, arthritis or sports-related injuries. Even though a deep tissue massage can be likened to a Swedish massage, as they both use similar techniques, the purpose, the areas that are focused on and the amount of pressure that is applied in each differ greatly. During the massage, the pressure is applied using firm, slow strokes to penetrate the layers of muscles and eliminate any knots or adhesions that are causing pain and inflammation or disrupting circulation.
Benefits of the massage
Deep tissue massage has several physical and psychological benefits. It provides relaxation for the body and mind and eradicates pain and stiffness in the muscles or joints. Due to its effectiveness, scientists have compared it to having the same effects as the popular Ibuprofen pain medication.
Below are some specific benefits of the massage:
Ø Helps lower blood pressure: Deep tissue massage helps to calm the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for increasing blood pressure during stressful situations. It also helps to increase the production of serotonin, which causes good feelings and happiness.
Ø Heals injured muscles: Athletic activities, illnesses or manual labour can lead to muscle injury. Deep tissue massage can help to heal twisted, sore or tight muscles.
Ø Reduces arthritis pain: Stiffness, limited joint movement, pain and muscle tension can all be reduced with a deep tissue massage.
Ø Expels toxins from the body: Due to the pressure that is applied during the massage, toxins that have accumulated in the muscle fibres are flushed out of the body.
What to expect during a deep tissue massage
Ø Consultation: Before your treatment, your massage therapist will clearly explain what the massage entails and discuss your areas of concern.
Ø Preparation of the muscles: Your muscles will then be prepared with the use of oil and gentle pressure applied to the areas that are of concern.
Ø The massage: After preparing the muscles, the massage therapist will apply firm pressure to the affected muscles to release tension and realign tissue fibres.
During the massage, you may feel some discomfort based on the amount of pressure that is being applied. If this is unbearable, you should tell your massage therapist. It is also normal to experience soreness and stiffness after your massage, but if this persists for more than a day or two, you should contact your massage therapist.
You should always see a registered massage therapist for a deep tissue massage to ensure that you don’t incur further damage to your muscles.
Want to access the benefits of deep tissue massage?
Are you interested in getting a deep tissue massage in Vancouver? Then look no further than Body Option Clinic. Call us today or book an appointment online with one of our registered massage therapists to rid your body of aches and chronic pain.
