Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage uses firm pressure to manipulate the deeper tissues in the body, including the muscles. Unlike Sports massage, this treatment focuses to reduce newer, smaller areas of tension across the entire body rather than the larger, older knots or any previous injuries you might have. Just like a workout, this treatment has the same effect on the body, promoting increased blood flow and breaking down of muscle mass that has adhered. It is therefore not unusual to be a bit sore and achy after this treatment, but this should ease off after 72 hours.
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is exactly as it sounds – it is a massage technique that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
Quite like Swedish massage, it uses slower and firmer strokes and pressure than other treatments – deep finger pressure that concentrates on particular areas and follows or goes across the fibres of muscles and tendons.
It is a particularly effective massage for people with muscular pain.
There are a few techniques used in deep tissue massage
Cross-fibre friction
This specialised massage treatment is used to treat chronic muscular tension, working across the fibres of the muscles.
Trigger point therapy
This treatment puts pressure on certain trigger points, temporarily stopping blood flow to a part of the body, and then releasing it, flooding that body part with fresh blood. It sounds weird and it feels weird too; you realise how powerful your blood is when it surges back into your arteries and the limb feels suddenly warm and strong. This treatment kick-starts your circulation as it pours and pumps fresh oxygen around your body.
Myofascial release
Fascia is a tough tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, organ, nerve, and blood vessel in your body. Myofascial release is a stretching technique that releases tension and therefore pain deep in the body. It is used by therapists to treat patients with some soft tissue problems.
What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage helps to refresh and relax muscles, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow around your body. This gets rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles, which helps them to strengthen and heal.
Deep tissue massage is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused, relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body, and can also break down scar tissue and “knots” deep in the muscles.
Post massage
The aim of deep tissue massage is not to leave you feeling relaxed and full of bliss; it tends to tackle particular physical, muscular problems. You may feel a little sore afterwards, but this will pass in a few days. Drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins out of your body. You may feel like you want to have a lie down after the treatment.
Precautions to make your therapist aware of
Always let your therapist know if you:
Deep tissue massage is also not recommended for people with acute or long-term mental health problems.
As with any massage, it’s a good idea to avoid big meals and alcohol beforehand. You should also drink plenty of water before and after the massage.
Other treatments we offer which may be of help are sports massage, Swedish massage, dry needling and dry cupping.
