Deep Tissue Massage Treatment

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, deep tissue massage is a broad term encompassing any technique "that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across the grains of muscles, tendons and fascia." Therapists frequently use deep tissue massage to address muscle damage resulting from injury.

History

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that massage therapy has been used as a healing method for thousands of years. There are references to massage in writings from ancient China, Japan, India, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Massage therapy became popular in the United States around 1850 but fell out of favor with scientific advancements in medicine in the 1930s and 1940s. It enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1970s, especially among athletes.

Types

The National Center for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork indicates that deep tissue massage is "an umbrella term for bodywork systems that work deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains." Therefore, therapists practicing deep tissue modalities may have training in reflexology, shiatsu, Rolfing, Hellerwork, structural integration bodywork, Jin Shin Do, myofascial release or neuromuscular therapy. Each of these deep tissue modalities works to relieve tension in hardened or rigid tissue.

Potential

Celebrated concert pianist Leon Fleischer was a victim of repetitive stress injury, incapacitating his right hand and cutting short his stellar career. According to an article published by the Internet Cello Society, Fleischer explored medical options to rehabilitate his hand but didn't find lasting relief until he discovered Rolfing, a form of deep tissue massage. Although he had continued to play piano left-handed, Fleischer resumed performing two-handed concerts only weeks after working with a Rolfer.

Benefits

According to Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org, benefits of deep tissue massage include increased circulation, flexibility and range of motion, faster muscle repair due to increased blood flow, reduced pain and stiffness, improved sleep patterns and reduced stress. Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org does warn that deep tissue massage can leave you with additional pain immediately following a treatment, but it shouldn't last more than a day.

Warning

The Mayo Clinic asserts that deep tissue massage has relatively few health risks as long as you are working with a trained and qualified therapist. However, if you have unexplained pain, burns or open wounds, cancer, blood clots, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis or are pregnant, massage of any kind may be contraindicated. Consult a physician prior to receiving deep tissue massage treatment.