Deep Tissue Massage
What is THERAPEUTIC DEEP TISSUE?
Deep tissue massage works specifically to realign the different layers of tissue, treating muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. It involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle to release tension , increasing mobility and reducing chronic pain. It can be full body or partial.
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds the bones, joints and muscles and most structures within the human body, and provides support and protection to those structures. This tissue can become restricted due to overuse, trauma, infectious agents or inactivity, often resulting in pain and muscle tension.
Deep tissue work creates physiological changes in the tissue that then create systemic changes, by allowing layers to move independently and slide or glide upon each other, realign posture, lengthen the spine, and improve the quality of the soft tissue creating positive changes for positive health effects.
Is often recommended for people who are comfortable with a slightly more intense touch.
Lighter pressure is generally applied to warm up and prepare the muscles for deeper pressure along the length of the muscle fiber and across ,using the elbow, forearm ,knuckles and thumbs.
You may be asked to breathe deeply when deep pressure is performed on tense areas.
Pain isn't necessarily good, and it's not a sign that the massage will be effective, contrarily , your body may tense up in response to pain, adding more tension and it becomes difficult to reach deeper muscles and relax the area.
It's used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck , upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
It’s also used to break up scar tissue , muscle "knots" or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt blood circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation.
A good blood circulation , supplies oxygen, nutrients and hormones to the muscles and removes waste products like toxins from the muscles allowing them to function properly.
Deep Tissue massage aid Scar tissue to be loosened and the muscles to lengthen ,reduce knots and sub-layers of muscle are moved back into the right place.
This technique, usually focuses on a specific problem , injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:
Low back pain
Limited mobility
Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls)
Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Postural problems
Muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutes, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back
Fibromyalgia
Upper back or neck pain
Contraindications
Total Contraindications (can not proceed with treatment)
If you've had recent surgery( less than 6 months), a fever, contagiuos or infection skin, under the influence of drugs or alchool, neuritis, pregnant in the first 14 weeks.
Deep tissue massage may not be safe for people with blood clots, due to the risk that they may become dislodged
Deep muscle massage and spinal manipulation are not appropriate if you are at high risk of breaking a bone ( Osteoporosis) , especially if you have already had spinal fractures because pressure on the spine could potentially cause a further fracture.
For people with cardiovascular condition ,diabetes, epilepsy
If you have any of the contraindications it's essential to consult your doctor before getting a deep tissue massage and to find out what type of massage it’s best for you.
What to expect from a massage session?
After the massage, you may feel some stiffness or soreness, but it should subside within a day or two, may cause bruising and rarely, hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood cells).
It’s sensible to avoid strenuous activity immediately after a massage and to not eat a heavy meal before and after.
Drinking water also helps with muscle rehydration and to flush out the toxins that are released during the massage.