What Is A Deep Tissue Massage?
A deep tissue massage also known as a therapeutic massage, is a massage where slow, deep pressure is applied to reach deeper layers of muscles. Muscles in the body normally overlay one another. When deeper pressure is applied, it has the ability to affect those deeper muscle which are often neglected when lighter pressure is applied. Many deep tissue massages incorporate all massage techniques: Effleurage (long gliding strokes of the muscles), petrissage (a kneading motion of the muscles), friction (fast movements of the hands, back and forth, usually to warm up the muscles), tapotement (fast or slow tapping of the muscles), and vibration (rocking and shaking of the muscles).
What Are The Benefits Of A Deep Tissue Massage?
The benefits of a deep tissue massage are many. Many clients will say “I have knots”. A deep tissue massage is beneficial when it comes to breaking up knots or muscle adhesions. These knots sometimes cause decrease blood flow to the area, which in return, produce pain. When the right amount of pressure is applied, these knots can be broken up, bringing blood to the area, which in return, bring about relief.
Deep tissue massages have also been known to benefit people who suffers from sport injuries, sciatica, chronic low back pain, high blood pressure, headaches, and many other conditions.
Will I Benefit From A Deep Tissue Massage?
If you have chronic pain or suffer from severe muscle tension, a deep tissue massage is right for you. If you are an athlete that needs to speed up recovery time or decrease muscle soreness from a recent workout, your are a good candidate for a deep tissue massage. Some people just prefer a deep tissue massage versus a lighter massage.
What To Expect When Receiving This Service?
When a deep tissue massage is performed, the massage therapist will start off applying light to medium pressure to slowly warm the muscles up. This amount of pressure will increase over time. The massage therapist will use different body parts when performing a deep tissue massage. This includes fingers, hands, knuckles, forearms, as well as elbows. Most clients are often able to tolerate more pressure when it is applied to the upper body (the back), rather than the lower body (the legs). During a deep tissue massage, clients may sometimes experience pain to the area where the pressure is being applied. Sometimes clients will refer to this as a “hurt so good” kind of pain. Deep breathing often helps a client to be able to tolerate more pressure while receiving a deep tissue massage. Let your massage therapist know at any time in the massage session, if the pressure being applied, is too much. An experienced massage therapist is able to adjust the amount of pressure being applied and still be able to achieve benefits for the client. There is a possibility that after a deep tissue massage session is performed, a client may experience soreness for a few days. This is normal. It is often recommended to drink plenty of water after a massage session, but in particularly after a deep tissue massage session. Soreness after a few days should subsides with a renewed feeling of well-being.
What Is The Length Of A Deep Tissue Massage Session?
All time slots are available for a deep tissue massage. A session can last from 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Longer sessions are recommended when receiving a deep tissue massage, due to the slow and steady flow which targets a specific area.
