Deep tissue massage therapy can help reduce and relieve pain caused by chronic muscle tension. It is also used to help aches and pains associated with muscle tightness and soreness. This particular massage therapy focuses on applying firm pressure on deep layers of muscle tissue and fascia, the protective connective tissue which surrounds a person’s bones, muscles, and joints. Deep tissue massages target deep layers of tendons and can provide relief for anyone experiencing chronic muscle pain due to a condition or injury.

If you experience muscle and joint pain,  it can sometimes be relieved with a good deep tissue.

Deep Tissue Massage Definition

A deep tissue massage is defined as a type of massage in which a massage therapist uses his or her fingers, elbows, and thumbs to relieve muscle tension. This type of massage is done in slow and deep motions and can help increase blood flow while reducing muscle pain. Deep tissue massage therapy focuses on massaging and stretching fascia, which connects muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. A qualified deep tissue massage therapist focuses on massaging through each fascia layer .

Deep Tissue Massage Benefits

There are many different deep tissue massage benefits and side effects which can help a person’s psychological, physical and physiological health.

A deep tissue massage can relieve stress, reduce muscle pain and tension, and also improve muscle recovery. Health practitioners also state that when a person receives a deep tissue massage, toxins are released from their muscles. This helps reduce fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, and more.

A deep tissue massage has many different therapeutic effects and benefits which can help treat conditions and improve a person’s health.

Below is a list of benefits:

• Relieve muscle strain
• Treat injuries in joints, muscles, and tendons
• Release toxins from system
• Reduce stress
• Treat back pain
• Reduce symptoms of arthritis
• Improve muscle recovery
• Improve athletic performance
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce muscle tension

Another important thing to note is that It is normal to feel slight discomfort during this type of massage session. This is because when a massage therapist is performing a massage, they are lengthening, stretching, and applying pressure to a muscle. Although this helps heal a body, releasing and lengthening the muscles can cause slight discomfort.

Deep Tissue Massage Techniques

There are many different types of deep tissue massage techniques which professionals use to help reduce muscle pain and tension.

Active Release Technique

This technique involves the examination of a person’s muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. A massage therapist will generally do this examination with his or her hands, and then apply the appropriate treatment based on the problem area.

Muscle Energy Technique

This type of deep tissue massage technique is typically done by sports massage therapists, physical therapists, and osteopaths. It is used to stretch, strengthen, and relax muscles.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy aims at easing pain directly at the source and can help reduce chronic pain caused by a tight area in a muscle tissue.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release therapy involves applying pressure on identified areas of tension to stretch and massage the fascia.

Deep Tissue Massage vs Swedish Massage

The most popular types of massages in the world include acupressure, Swedish massages, and deep tissue massages. Many people around the world often confuse deep tissue massages with Swedish massages, although they are both very different.

A Swedish massage involves very specific types of movements and is generally the most popular form of massage therapy. It involves applying firm pressure on muscles in long strokes and may involve oils and lotions to reduce friction. A Swedish massage reduces muscle tension and can help improve muscle flexibility.

Deep tissue massages, on the other hand, target the deeper tissue structure in muscles and fascia, which is the connective tissue. The therapist will generally apply pressure on a muscle until it pushes back, at which point the therapist will move along with the muscle. A deep tissue massage can help relieve chronic muscle tension and muscular knots, and involves slow, deep strokes. A deep tissue massage can also help relieve pain associated with sports injuries, chronic conditions, and more.

The main difference between the 2 types is that a Swedish massage is designed as a relaxing treatment which can help increase circulation, while deep tissue massages are used to help treat chronic muscular pain and work to manipulate the connective tissues which surround and support muscles.

Who Needs Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?

Deep tissue massage therapy is generally completed on athletes and people suffering from injuries or chronic problems. A person who suffers from chronic muscle pain or is going through rehabilitation for an injury should consider this type of  therapy.

A person who regularly goes to to the gym and does bodybuilding could also benefit from a deep tissue massage. Bodybuilding recovery can improve, eliminating the risk of injury or muscle pain and helping the body and muscles relax. A deep tissue massage can also improve muscle health, performance, and flexibility.

You should get a deep tissue massage if:

• You are an athlete
• You are a bodybuilder
• Suffer chronic pain
• Have an injury
• Exercise regularly

Deep Tissue Massage Therapist

A good deep tissue massage therapist will manipulate the deep layers and soft tissues in a person’s body. You should do your research and homework about massage therapists first. A massage therapist should be certified and should have good reviews from past patients.

Never put your health in the hands of someone who is not a professional. The right therapist is one that is professional and has a proven track record of success.