Find Deep Tissue Massage Therapists near you

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FAQs:

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. It can relieve muscle pain and stiffness and provide stress-relieving relaxation for the body and mind. Deep tissue massage is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduces tension in muscles and tissue. It promotes faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What's the Purpose of Deep Tissue Massage?

The purpose of deep tissue massage is to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas. 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.

When to Get  Deep Tissue Massage?

Whether you are active or not, a deep tissue massage is beneficial for everyone. It relaxes your muscles, improves your posture, aids injury recovery, and helps prevent future injuries. By scheduling an occasional visit to your massage therapist, you can improve your musculoskeletal health and help your body keep up with the demands of life.

However, most people are unsure when they should schedule their visit. Should you schedule a deep tissue massage regularly or only when you experience specific pain? To help you determine if you should make an appointment, look for the following signs.

1. You Have Aches and Stiffness

General aches, pains, and stiffness are sure signs that you need a deep-tissue massage. If you experience chronic tension in your shoulders and neck, chronic headaches, or stiffness when you get out of bed in the morning, you may need a massage to relieve muscle strain and tension. Though a massage can be great for pain management, you should speak to a doctor if you are experiencing intense chronic pain since this may be a sign of a deeper issue.

2. You Live a Sedentary Lifestyle

People who live relatively sedentary lifestyles, particularly office workers and truck drivers, can benefit greatly from a deep tissue massage. If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or driving, you likely experience a great deal of tension in your shoulders, neck, legs, and lower back pain. Though this may be ‘normal’ for your job, you do not need to live this way. By getting a massage, you can relieve some of that pent-up tension and combat some of the negative side effects of your work environment.

3. You Have Just Competed in an Athletic Event

Whether you have just completed an Ironman competition, jogged a 5K, or competed in a tennis tournament, it’s always a good idea to schedule a massage after an athletic event. This will help relieve any soreness, help your muscles heal, and prevent injury.

4. You Feel Stressed and Anxious

Getting a regular massage can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health. Pent-up tension in the body can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Over time, this stress can impact your ability to work, sleep, and live your normal, daily life. By regularly scheduling a deep tissue massage, you can alleviate tension and reduce the number of stress hormones your body produces.

Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that wonders for stiffness, muscular injuries, lesions, aches, and pains. It can be extremely beneficial in alleviating unpleasant pain caused by various issues. It is a slow and pressurized movement massage that targets problem areas to make sure every muscle and its surrounding connective tissues are well-treated.

Adhesions develop as a result of muscle stress. These tissues become stiff, resulting in chronic and deeply unpleasant pain. Adhesions are known to induce inflammation, restriction of movement, pain, and even impede circulation. The danger of nerves being impacted or even trapped rises with inflammation, which can cause even more discomfort and result in you suffering greatly until you obtain the support you need to eradicate the pain and relieve the tension moving forward.

Deep tissue massage operates in the deep levels of muscle, dissolving adhesions and reducing pain. It is not an instantaneous success story; depending on the severity and degree of your muscle tension, you may require more than one visit.

Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

Deep tissue massages are known to be painful due to the firm pressure applied by the masseuse. Certain strokes are similar to those used in a Swedish massage. At the beginning of a deep tissue massage, light pressure is applied to the skin. It helps to warm up the muscles for the firm pressure ahead.

The process of a deep tissue massage involves stripping—a firm gliding motion along the fibers of the muscle. This move is performed with the help of the elbows, knuckles, and thumbs.

Friction, on the other hand, is the pressure that’s applied across the grain of the muscle. This move helps remove adhesions while also realigning tissue fibers.

These moves can cause pain or soreness. At certain times in the massage, you will feel some discomfort. Certain areas of our body receive more stress than others, which leads them to be more painful. Make sure you let your masseuse know that you’re in pain. You should not feel pain that’s outside your comfort zone.

Bearing too much pain during a deep tissue massage won’t lead to better results. In fact, letting your body undergo such stress will only make it tense up more. Letting your masseuse know you’re uncomfortable will allow them to reduce the amount of pressure they are applying to the area.

What is the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?

Swedish and deep tissue massage are both popular types of massage therapy that differ in pressure, technique, intended use, and focus areas. 

Swedish massage is one of the most commonly offered massage techniques. It’s sometimes called a classic massage. The technique aims to promote relaxation by releasing muscle tension. It is gentler than deep tissue massage and better suited for people interested in relaxation and tension relief.

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same stroking and kneading movements as Swedish massage, but there’s far more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful. In order to reach the deep muscle tissue, a therapist will massage layer by layer of muscle, applying more and more pressure and employing special techniques with the fingers, fists, and maybe even elbows to reach and stretch that deep tissue. This type of massage facilitates healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help increase blood flow to the soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.

Is a Deep Tissue Massage Good for a Pinched Nerve?

If you are experiencing discomfort due to muscle tension or a pinched nerve, getting a deep tissue massage is strongly recommended. Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic massage that concentrates on the deeper muscle layers and all of the connective tissues surrounding those specific muscle groups.

How Often to Get a Deep Tissue Massage?

This type of massage targets muscle damage from injuries. You may seek deep tissue massages daily, a few times a week, or a few times a month for pain. Your massage therapist can recommend a frequency and duration to address the underlying health condition prompting this type of massage.

What to Wear to a Deep Tissue Massage?

Wear loose, comfortable clothes. For some, wearing comfortable clothing can automatically trigger muscle relaxation. Also, muscle soreness may vary after the massage is over, so loose clothes may be easier (and more comfortable!) for you to put on before you leave.

How Long Do the Effects of a Deep Tissue Massage Last?

Everyone has a different body type making it difficult to predict how long the benefits of massage will last. However, there are some external factors that could help us determine how long the benefits will last. The benefits last differently for different people depending on the life they live and the type of massage they get. For example, if you live a stressful and hectic life, then the benefits won’t last long as compared to someone who lives a relatively stress-free life. On average, the benefits of massage can last up to a month or as little as 1 day. On average, most people notice the benefits for about a week. This is one of the reasons it’s recommended that you get a massage on a regular basis. If you are trying to treat a medical condition through massage, then regular massage can go a long way. A study revealed that for patients with osteoarthritis, regular massages can not only reduce the pain but also aid in its treatment.

The History of Deep Tissue Massage

Experts believe that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use Deep Tissue Massage (Ury, 2009). However, its modern history can be followed back to the mid-19th century in Canada. Physicians at that time employed this modality to deal with different medical conditions, for example, whiplash (Ury, 2009).

In the late 1800s, Deep Tissue Massage was introduced to the United States (Ury, 2009). It was not until Therese Phimmer established rules for and formalized this technique in her book called "Muscles: Your Invisible Bonds in 1949 that this technique became popular in the U.S. (Ury, 2009). Since then, Deep Tissue Massage has been used by more and more sports medicine practitioners and muscular therapists to address "soft tissue injuries and chronic pain" (Ury, 2009).

Who Could Benefit from Deep Tissue Massage

Many people can benefit from deep tissue massage. However, if you suffer from a sports injury or chronic pain, you might be an ideal candidate.

Some chronic medical issues include:

- Fibromyalgia

- Osteoarthritis

- Upper back pain

- Sciatica

- Tennis elbow

- Neck pain

Techniques Used in Deep Tissue Massage

At the start of a deep tissue massage, light pressure is generally applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. Specific massage techniques are then applied, such as:

1. Cross Fiber-Friction – No lotions or oils are used during this technique, creating friction is essential to treatment. Applying pressure across the grain of a muscle to release adhesions and heal tissue fibers may be uncomfortable at first but will diminish over time.

2. ART or active release treatment – It is a combination of assessment and treatment. A therapist will use his or her hands to assess the patient’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves to form a plan for treatment.

3. E.T or Muscle Energy Technique – A type of stretching most commonly used by sports and physical therapists. It stretches muscles that are prone to shortening, relaxes cramping muscles, and strengthens muscles.

4. Trigger Point Therapy – Eases pain while using a series of isolated pressure and release. During this technique, the patient is actively involved through deep breathing.

During the massage, therapists will use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms to aid them. You might be asked to breathe deeply which promotes relaxation and decreases stress.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Even though you may be tired and stressed from working long hours, you can still benefit from a deep tissue massage. This will improve your immune system and improve your mood, so you can spend more time with your loved ones. It will also increase your energy levels. Some amazing benefits of deep tissue massage are as follows:

1.  Beneficial in Case of Chronic Diseases:

Deep tissue massage is particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions and pain, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. It also improves lung function, as it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. A study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease found that deep tissue massage reduced residual volumes, improved inspiratory capacity, and increased SpO2 in COPD patients. Despite the intense pressure of a deep tissue massage, it should not cause pain.

2.  Improve Overall Functioning of Muscles:

In addition to relieving pain, a deep tissue massage can help improve the overall functioning of muscles. It works to break up scar tissue and relax the muscle. It can also release toxic and tensed muscles. A deep tissue massage at Meridian Spa helps improve circulation and remove toxins in the body. Apart from that, a deep tissue massage is effective for many types of injuries and can be used for sports and other activities. A massage therapist who is experienced in deep tissue massage can help you recover faster and avoid the risk of a muscle injury.

3.  Improve Your Posture:

A deep tissue massage can also help your posture. While the majority of people experience back pain due to poor posture, this massage can help correct it. You should consult with a massage therapist about the right posture during massage therapy. The massage therapist will work on different areas of the body, focusing on the muscles that have a stiff or aching back. It will also prevent injuries by improving your posture. You should consult with a professional therapist to get the best results from a deep tissue massage.

4.  Relieve from Back Pain:

Depending on your condition and goals, a deep tissue massage can help with the relief of your back pain. A deep tissue massage can be beneficial for clients and practitioners alike. During the session, the muscles will be relaxed and will be able to perform their toxin-releasing functions. If you’re looking to relieve stress and relax, try a deep tissue massage. You won’t regret it. Just make sure to seek out a massage professional who is experienced with deep tissue.

5.  Boost Immune System:

Another benefit is a reduction in stress and boosting the immune system. Many studies have indicated that massages can reduce your risk of cancer. However, most of these studies have involved only a single session, which is not enough to experience the full health benefits of this massage. Fortunately, some other advantages can be realized by receiving a deep tissue massage or full body massage regularly. In addition, like deep tissue massage, there are lots of secret benefits of full body massage you need to know. It has also been shown that a deep tissue massage can increase athletic performance and reduce injury.

6.  Good for the Heart:

A deep tissue massage is good for the heart. It can help to relieve chronic back pain and improve symptoms. In addition to relieving chronic pain, a deep tissue massage can help lower blood pressure. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that patients with high blood pressure experienced reduced levels of blood pressure following a deep tissue massage. The study also showed that pregnant women benefited from regular deep tissue massage.

7.  Reduce the Symptoms of Medical Conditions:

Deep tissue massage is also good for your blood pressure. It can decrease the amount of stress you experience and make you feel more relaxed. If you have chronic pain, it is important to find a massage that offers relief from pain. This technique can improve your overall health and reduce the symptoms of many different medical conditions. Although it may take several sessions to achieve desired results, it can help you feel better and even cure your symptoms.

8.  Relieve Arthritis Pain:

The increased blood flow reduces inflammation and promotes faster healing. A deep tissue massage can help relieve arthritis pain by restoring range of motion to tight muscles. The massage can also decrease blood pressure. It also has a positive effect on depression and anxiety. It helps you sleep better and improve your mood. The best massage therapists will work with you to provide you with the best massage.

9.  Increase Mobility:

There are many other health benefits of deep tissue massage. The massage can help with pain and improve mobility. The deep tissue massage is also very beneficial for people with osteoporosis, cancer that has spread to the bones, and pregnant women. In addition to reducing pain and increasing mobility, a deep tissue massage can help with leg pain and reduce post-partum depression.

10. Promote a Positive Mindset:

In addition to the health benefits of a deep tissue massage, it can help with physical symptoms of stress and promote a positive mindset. Some people may also feel more relaxed after a deep tissue massage. They can improve their mental state as well as their physical condition by reducing their stress levels.

11. Reduction of Stress:

One of the most important benefits of a massage is the reduction of stress. Several studies have shown that a single session of deep tissue massage can reduce cortisol levels and reduce daily stress. Whether you need to go more than once or visit a massage therapist depends on your budget, physical needs, and the type of massage you are seeking. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable massage, you should consider deep tissue massage.

12. Improve Your Sleep:

Massage is an excellent way to improve your sleep. Deep tissue massage is known to relax people. This is especially beneficial for those who are prone to insomnia and need restful sleep. Just five minutes of deep tissue massage per week can relieve your insomnia. And as a bonus, a massage can relieve tension, which is important for getting a good night sleep. This is why it is so important to get a regular massage.

What to Expect from a Deep Tissue Massage Session

Before a deep tissue massage session, your massage therapist will discuss your goals and medical conditions and ask about any areas of concern. It's important to provide accurate information for a customized session. 

Deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable at times as it targets deeper muscles, but the therapist will adjust the pressure and technique to ensure comfort. Drink plenty of water after the massage to stay hydrated. 

During the session, the therapist will use firm pressure and slow strokes with hands, fingers, and elbows and may use other techniques like stretching, kneading, and cupping. Some soreness after the session is normal and should go away within a day or two. In the end, the therapist will check on your comfort and provide tips on managing any discomfort. Your session should feel like “delicious pain” not “scary pain” and like you’re accomplishing something each time.

What Happens During a Deep Tissue Massage?

Before a deep tissue massage, you will discuss your problem areas with your therapist. A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focused only on one area. You will begin lying on your back or stomach and under a sheet. It’s up to you to determine your level of undress. Deep tissue massages begin as a more traditional relaxation massage. After the muscles are warmed up, your massage therapist will begin to work deep into your problem areas. In addition to their palms, fingertips, and knuckles, your therapist may use their forearms or elbows to increase pressure. It’s important to be open with your massage therapist about the level of pressure and discomfort you wish to endure. This may be different for certain areas and throughout the massage. Feel free to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the massage. Some massage therapists find the pain to be counterproductive to the process and expect you to speak up if the pain is too much.

You should expect a fair amount of soreness in the days following your deep tissue massage. Your therapist may recommend treating with ice, heat, and stretching.

1. Find the right massage therapist. Look for a therapist who specifically identifies the massage type you’re interested in as part of their practice and background. If necessary, look for someone trained to treat a particular condition, such as sports injuries, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or pregnancy. Also, check if the therapist is licensed or certified according to state requirements.

2. Talk to your therapist about any injuries. Be clear about the extent of your injuries, how long they have been healing, and what your current pain level is.

3. Talk about your comfort levels. Tell the massage therapist which areas you do not want them to touch. For example, some people are uncomfortable with their buttocks being massaged.

4. Talk about your goals and expectations. Do you just want to relax? Are you trying to recover from an injury?

5. Discuss pressure. Talk to your therapist about what level of pressure is best for you.

6. Be open. Let your therapist know if you have privacy concerns or areas that you don’t want to be touched.

7. Warm-up. If possible, warm up your muscles by taking a warm shower, soaking in a hot tub, or spending a few minutes in a sauna.

8. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before your massage.

What to Expect After a Deep Tissue Massage 

Since a deep tissue massage requires firm pressure, after your deep tissue massage you may notice: 

1. Sore or aching muscles 

This may feel like you just had a good workout. The soreness should go away after 24-36 hours. Some people find that drinking a little extra water may help with the soreness.  

2. Pain 

Pain may occur because your muscles are not used to the deep treatment. This should subside. However, if it does not, you should contact your massage therapist immediately and ice your back or the point of soreness. After a deep tissue massage, you may experience a slight headache, which is fairly common and also subsides with time. 

3. Sleepiness

After the massage, it is common to feel tired or fatigued. This may occur due to the fact your muscles are (finally) relaxing and/or your stress has been relieved. This effect shouldn’t last too long after your treatment and it is fine to sleep after a massage. In some cases, people even fall asleep during a massage!

What to Do After a Deep Tissue Massage

You could expect to feel a little tender in the area that has been treated after a deep tissue massage. Most people experience drowsiness and thirst after the massage. This is quite common, and you can do a few things to resolve these issues.

1. Drink water: Hydrating yourself is important. Drink plenty of water to improve blood flow and wash out toxins from your body. However, make sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol.

2. Eat healthy food: You are more likely to feel hungry after an Ayurvedic massage. Instead of indulging in junk food or drinks, make sure to have healthy and nutritious snacks or meals.

3. Have a proper rest: You need to rest and relax your body and mind to reap the benefits of an Ayurvedic massage. Allow your body to recover from the massage by waiting at least 24 hours before engaging in any physical activity.

Side Effects of Deep Tissue Massage

It’s not unusual to have some lingering soreness for a few days following a deep tissue massage. Using a heating pad or a cold pack wrapped in a towel may help to relieve soreness. Though massage therapy is generally safe, deep tissue massage uses very firm pressure and may not be safe for everyone.

Speak to your doctor before having a deep tissue massage if you:

- have a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder

- are taking blood thinners

- have a bleeding disorder

- have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation

Anyone with osteoporosis or cancer that’s spread to the bones should avoid deep tissue massage as the firm pressure used may cause a fracture. You should also hold off on deep tissue massages if you’re pregnant. Gentler types of massage, such as Swedish massage, maybe a better option.

If you have an open wound or skin infection of any kind, you’ll need to reschedule to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.

How to Find a Deep Tissue Massage Therapist

If you want to try a deep tissue massage, it’s important to work with a qualified massage therapist. To find a massage therapist:

- ask your doctor or physical therapist for a referral

- ask friends and family for a recommendation

- Search the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork’s database

- use the America Massage Therapy Association’s database

As you sort through potential massage therapists, keep a few things in mind:

- Area of focus. Not all massage therapists specialize in deep tissue massage. Some are trained in several types while others focus their practice on one or two. Be sure to ask if they offer deep tissue massage and what conditions they have experience treating.

- Cost. Ask about the cost per session and whether they offer cost-saving incentives, such as a sliding-scale option. You might also want to check with your health insurance provider, as some cover massage therapy, especially for specific conditions.

- Credentials. Ask for credentials and make sure that the therapist is licensed to practice massage therapy in your area. In the United States, most states regulate the massage therapy profession.

 

Sources:

Healthline

Swasthya Ayurveda

Press Modern Massage

Tampa Bay Sports Massage

Soul 2 Sole Studio

BIH Care

Benevida Wellness

Understanding Therapy Massage

Meridian Spa

Emerge Tulsa

Loving Life

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.