Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
Massage is well known for its ability to help the mind and body relax—and that makes massage therapy an excellent choice. Deep tissue massage may bring you other benefits as well. Let’s dive in by first learning about what deep tissue massage is.
Deep tissue massage is a technique that focuses mostly on the deeper muscles and the fascia. Sometimes deep tissue technique involves your massage therapist using firmer pressure, sometimes holding that pressure in a target location in order to reach these key areas and get them to release. This particular massage technique is often times recommended for people who are comfortable with a slightly heavier pressure. Deep tissue massage can also refer to gentle yet sustained pressure targeting the myofascial layer. It is a myth, however, that deep pressure must be painful. Deep tissue massage can be effective without an unpleasant and painful experience. With that out of the way, lets share the many benefits of deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue massage provides stress relief
When a client feels stressed out due to life’s demands, whether related to work or personal life, deep tissue massage can help ease this stress in a safe and healthy manner. This can be important because stress can cause major damage to mental and physical health. It is estimated that upwards of 80% of doctor’s office visits are stress-related, as found in a 2003 study from The Journal of the National Medical Association.
Deep tissue massage can ease pain
Deep tissue massage may be able to decrease pain, even in areas not massaged. A 2014 study published in Manual Therapy found that deep tissue massage to posterior calf muscles, along with self-stretching exercises, helped reduce participants’ pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Deep tissue massage can be used for other conditions as well, such as fibromyalgia, tennis elbow or low-back pain, potentially providing some much-needed relief.
Deep tissue massage makes movement easier
Whether due to a one-time trauma injury, or repetitive stress, scar tissue forms when an area of the body attempts to heal. What you may not know, is that scars can occur under the skin, such as when you damage muscles, ligaments or tendons. The scar tissue is never as strong or flexible as the tissue it is meant to replace so unless your body can complete the healing process and replace the damaged tissue with the same type, tissues such as muscles can continue to feel tight and stiff. Deep tissue massage can help reduce this type of internal scarring, promoting an increased range of motion, making it easier to move.
Deep tissue massage can lower heart rate and blood pressure
A 2008 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine involved 263 participants who reported muscle spasm or strain. Each person’s heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and then after a 45-60 minute session of deep tissue massage. The participants experienced lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers, as well as a decrease in resting heart rate of an average of ten beats per minute.
Deep tissue massage has many benefits, ranging from stress relief to pain reduction and beyond. Book your session today!
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