Deep Tissue Massage Benefits

Looking for muscle tension relief, in addition to an exhilarating, rejuvenating massage? Deep tissue massage benefits will do the trick for you. Your deep tissue massage therapist – using hands, fingertips, knuckles, and occasionally elbows and forearms – goes further in than with Swedish massage, hence the term “deep.”  And while the term “tissue” infers only muscle tissue, deep tissue massage covers also tendons and fascia, and affects bones and joints that are attached to the muscles.

Like Swedish massage, the flow of strokes increases your blood flow, releasing inflammation that might be causing pain. In turn, stress and tension are relieved, which can lower blood pressure as well. To boot, deep tissue massage, like most skin-to-skin massage techniques, releases the “feel-good” hormone known as serotonin, thereby serving as a natural anti-depressant.

Deep tissue massage can be used to focus on a specific need for muscle tension release, such as the following:

• Chronic pain in any muscle area
• Strain injury, such ascarpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow
• Arthritis
• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Bodybuilding aches
• Acute pain, or temporary pain

For deep tissue massage, you will be lathered in oil in order to facilitate ease of flow from your practitioner. You will feel their movements go deeper into your muscles, gliding, sweeping, and digging into your soreness in order to release the tensions and toxins.  Do note that with all of the tension and toxin release, you might feel achiness for a day or two after your deep tissue massage – this is normal, and is part of the process of healing. At the same time, as always, if anything does not feel good for you during the massage, tell your practitioner and they will stop the specific technique immediately.

Deep tissue massage does not exist in a vacuum. Rather, deep tissue massage is most often combined with Swedish massage movements, and even Thai, tuina, or other massage techniques. In addition, you will benefit from the energy focus, which as always is part of massage. Your practitioner might also include a bit of aromatherapy by offering you a choice of scents to add to the usual massage oil. All in all, if you are looking for the full effect on your muscles, deep tissue is the top choice.