Massage therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of manual techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The goal: normalizing those tissues and inducing a relaxation response. Deep tissue massage is a specific subtype that focuses on working specifically with the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
Definition
Deep tissue massage is performed by a licensed massage professional, such as a certified massage therapist, licensed massage therapist or physical therapist. It differs from other massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, in that the pressure of the therapist's movements is more intense and focuses on specific areas of tension.
Benefits
One of the major benefits of all types of massage therapy is increased circulation to the targeted tissues, which boosts oxygen and speeds the healing process. Deep tissue massage is used specifically to address areas of tension and pain, and to loosen adhesions, which are bands of rigid, painful tissue.
Applications
Deep tissue massage can treat a variety of medical conditions where scar tissue or adhesions have formed in the connective tissue of the body. Injuries, inflammation and chronic pain can all lead to stiff, rigid muscles, which increase pain and slow the healing process. The therapist focuses on locating and physically breaking up these adhesions. Some common applications of deep tissue massage include its use to treat fibromyalgia, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries and pain from arthritis.
Contraindications
Although massage therapy is generally considered safe and has minimal reported side effects, in certain situations it might be either locally or generally contraindicated. Therapists will avoid massaging areas of the body with sores, burns, rashes or other wounds, as well as those that are bruised or seriously injured. Pregnant women should only receive a massage from a therapist who has specific training in prenatal massage.
What to Expect
If you are getting a massage as a part of a physical therapy program, the therapist should already be familiar with your medical history. If not, you will be asked to answer some basic health questions prior to the massage. You will undress to your level of comfort while the therapist is out of the room. After you have covered yourself, the therapist will come in and begin the massage, uncovering only the area that is being treated. You can expect to feel deep pressure and perhaps some soreness or very mild discomfort during deep tissue work, but you should not have any pain. Afterward, you may be sore for a few days, but you also should feel much more relaxed and have decreased pain.
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