Deep tissue massage therapy is excellent for treating chronic muscle pain and stiffness. It involves many of the same techniques as traditional massage therapy, but applied more slowly and in concentrated areas.
Deep tissue massage is a variation on classic therapeutic massage designed to reach the deepest layers of soft tissue. Movements are performed more slowly, and treatment focuses on specific areas of pain and tension. Pressure increases over the course of treatment to the deepest comfortable point.
Common conditions treated with deep tissue massage are:
By slowing down massage therapy techniques and applying them to specific areas of the body, the therapist is able to reach the deepest layer of soft tissue.
The muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues closest to the bone are most likely to have adhesions. These are bands of rigid tissue caused by chronic tension or injury. Adhesions block blood flow, limit movement, and cause inflammation — all resulting in pain. Main Street Health is a full service physio clinic.
Deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions, thus relieving pain and improving movement.
Not everyone is comfortable with the pressure required for deep tissue massage. Some discomfort is common during the massage, and you may feel tenderness for a day or two afterwards.
You regulate the pressure in every massage therapy treatment, but firm pressure is required for deep tissue massage to be effective. If this is too uncomfortable for you, your massage therapist may recommend another type of massage to start.
For a better idea of whether and how deep tissue massage can help you, book a massage therapy consultation.
