More than 100 massage and bodywork techniques to relax the body and ease pain have been developed. Deep-tissue massages are one of the most popular massages given in the United States and can relieve ailments including reduced mobility, stress and muscle tension. They can last from 15 to 90 minutes, and a series of sessions might be necessary.
Identification
Deep-tissue massages differ from common relaxation massages because the massage therapist uses more pressure to reach deeper layers of tissue. Movements are applied across or following the grain of the muscle in contracted areas, never against it. The style uses slow strokes, deep finger pressure and friction in areas of chronic muscular tightness. One type of deep tissue massage, called rolfing, emphasizes body alignment. Over the course of multiple sessions, massage therapists stretch muscles surrounding body organs in an effort to align bones with muscles. The benefits of this approach have not been scientifically proven.
Function
Because deep-tissue massages treat chronic tension stored in muscles, they are used for therapeutic purposes as well as for relaxation. Muscle fibers are loosened by the firm, slow strokes, which in turn removes tension, releases toxins and brings about relaxation. Deep-tissue massage also helps reduce the thickness of scar tissue, eliminating some scars altogether, and improves circulation.
Benefits
Deep-tissue massages offer health benefits to those who receive them regularly. Relaxing tense muscles often increases mobility. Posture can also be improved, putting less stress on joints and other muscles as well as relieving pain. Some proponents say deep-tissue massages enable the body to realign itself and change restrictive muscle patterns.
Considerations
During a deep-tissue massage, therapists usually focus their attention on specific areas of chronic pain. Those areas might get sore during the course of the massage because of the amount of pressure applied. Always tell your therapist if the pain is unbearable, if you need him to stop or if you'd like him to decrease the level of pressure. Before your treatment, discuss sensitive areas with your therapist to avoid aggravating an injury, and tell him what medications you are taking; massage can affect the absorption and activity of some medications. Also, drink at least a bottle of water after your massage to flush toxins out of your body.
Warnings
Though deep-tissue massages are considered safe in general, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that people in certain groups should take extra caution before receiving a deep tissue massage. Pregnant women should receive massages only from therapists trained in pregnancy massage techniques. Diabetics should check their blood sugar levels after a massage to ensure they haven't dipped too low. Those with a history of heart failure, kidney failure, blood clots in the legs, bleeding disorders or contagious skin conditions shouldn't get massages. Cancer patients should check with their doctors before getting a deep-tissue massage, because hard pressure can injure muscles that have been weakened by chemotherapy.
Member Comments