What to expect from a deep tissue massage is often a mystery to many people who have never taken one before. Deep tissue massage is typically a specific kind of massage which works on only the deeper layers of fascia and muscle tissue in the body. A fascia is essentially a sheet or layer of connective tissue under the surface of your skin, made up primarily of collagen. It connects, anchors, and holds muscles and other tissues in place.
The common misconception is that this type of therapy is used to relieve pain, however it rarely is. It is not effective for back pain, neck pain, or many other types of conditions. In one study found in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers examined twenty-four athletes who were experiencing muscle pain from an auto accident, and found that none of them were treated with therapeutic massage before their accident.
The majority of the time, therapists use this type of therapy to help reduce soreness and increase flexibility after a sports injury. However, people who suffer from fibromyalgia (frozen shoulder), arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other conditions that can cause stiffness or limited range of motion do well with this technique as well.
People who experience low back pain are very commonly treated using this technique. One study found that a group of female runners were significantly less likely to receive pain medication compared to a control group of female athletes. The treatment had a much lower incidence of adverse drug effects than the medication used by the runners who did not receive it.
This massage therapy can also be used to relieve pain and stress associated with other symptoms. For example, if you have shin splints, the therapist will work to release the adhesions that have built up around the injured area. Adhesions are basically knot-like scar tissue that does not easily break down. Removing them can reduce pain and inflammation that is sometimes felt after an injury.
Another benefit of this treatment is that it has been found to actually help improve circulation. When there is good blood flow to the area, it can decrease inflammation and help you feel better faster. This has been proven with athletes who experience edema after participating in strenuous activities. Lack of blood circulation has been linked to swelling, which is one of the main symptoms of shin splints.
Relieving psychological stress
It is also beneficial in relieving psychological stress. After a physical event, there is some amount of trauma and inflammation that occurs in our bodies. It is during this time that the mind sends messages to the muscles, telling them to be tight or tense, which is why we experience such a feeling of pain after an activity.
One of the biggest benefits of this type of therapy is that it can help patients prevent future injuries. Since the tissues are used to release the adhesions and eliminate the knots, it works by preventing the muscles from being overstressed. In fact, most people experience a reduction in chronic back pain after receiving a few deep tissue massages. Since it works by reducing muscle tension, it can help you avoid future back pain.
The purpose of these massages is not to treat any specific medical condition. It is more of an all-over technique to relieve psychological stress and prevent future injuries from taking place. Since these types of massages are all-natural and do not change the structure of the body, they are safe for patients of all ages.
In addition, they offer a way for people to reduce their daily stress without having to take medication. If you have a condition that has resulted from psychological stress and need to reduce your daily stress in order to improve your health, consider massage therapy as a complementary therapy to help you achieve your goals.