Saturday, April 10, 2010

Deep Tissue Massage

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

by Chris Trentworth

Some people are under the impression that every massage will be the same. That could not be further from the truth. Anyone that goes in thinking that they are in for a nice relaxing Swedish massage and that has mistakenly signed up for a deep tissue massage is in for a rude awakening.

The name "deep tissue" reveals what the therapist addresses. They break up tension within the deep layers of muscle in various regions of the body. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for those who experience problems with their neck, back, and shoulders. This type of manipulation provides a great source of relief when performed over time.

The massage therapist may work on all areas of the body when doing a deep tissue massage. The patient will notice that the therapist's movements are slower and the pressure is deeper and more concentrated on trouble areas of the patient's body. The purpose is to break down bands of painful rigid tissue by applying deep pressure and friction directly to and across the grain of the muscles. The result is tension being released from the muscle's core.

Some that receive a deep tissue massage will report that they can be very painful. In all honesty, there probably will be some moments of discomfort. This is normal, but it should never be to the point that you are unable to take the pain.

During the massage, communication becomes very important. There will be moments that the masseuse is digging deep to get the knots and tension out and it may get to a point that you simply cannot tolerate it. When this happens, communicate that to the therapist and they can use a different technique or ease up on the area.

There will also be some residual pain from this type of massage. However, it should last for only one to two days. The patient may apply ice to the affected area as a therapeutic technique. Patients should also drink a lot of water after a deep tissue massage because the hydration will assist in relieving muscle soreness.

The deep tissue massage involves the therapist's use of not only the hands and fingers, but also frequently the elbows and forearms. Penetrating deep into the muscles and tissues requires a lot of pressure by the therapist and the hands alone frequently will not accomplish this task. In addition, the therapist may ask the patient to become involved by exercising deep breathing techniques during work on areas that are very tense.

Individuals experiencing chronic pain, limited mobility, repetitive strain, or sports injuries will benefit from a deep tissue massage. In addition, people with medical conditions such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia will find this type of massage provides great relief. Though it may yield some pain during and for several days after the massage, the deep tissue technique can result in improved mobility not possible with use of traditional methods of massage.

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