Deep tissue massage at our location in Fife is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. Our therapist will use slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on the layers of muscles, tendons deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic -- relieving chronic tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain. Add in a Sauna treatment to get the most out of your Tacoma massage session.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deep into the layers of muscle and fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles). It's used for chronic aches and pain and areas such as a stiff neck, upper and lower back pain, leg and muscle tightness, and sore shoulders. This is more than just a massage using deep pressure. The techniques and expected outcome are different that other types of massages. To get the most from your massage experience, please make sure to communicate with your licensed massage therapist.
Potential Benefits
Deep tissue massage therapy typically focuses on a specific problem like:
· Injury rehabilitation
· Chronic muscle pain
· Neck Pain
· Back Injuries
· Limited mobility
· Repetitive strain injury (IE: carpal tunnel syndrome)
· Posture problems
· Muscle tension
· Arthritis pain
· Tennis elbow
· Fibromyalgia
· Sciatica Problem
· Piriformis syndrome
Not all these benefits have been proven by a scientific study, but according to Consumer Reports, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage therapy more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than any of the following:
· exercise and physical therapy
· doctor prescribed medication
· chiropractic
· acupuncture
· diet
· glucosamine
· over-the-counter drugs.
People with Fibromyalgia pain often notice an improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage therapy session.
What to Expect during a treatment session
At the beginning of the massage, your licensed massage therapist will generally use lighter pressure to warm up and prepare the muscles. Then specific techniques will be used to breakup scar tissue and “knots” to assist with problems causing pain, limited range of motion, inflammation and increase circulation. Typical message techniques , such as the following will be used:
· Stripping – Deep smooth pressure along the muscle fibers using fingertips, thumbs, knuckles, hands, elbows, forearms, knuckles and thumbs.
· Friction – pressure applied across the muscle to breakdown adhesions and realign tissue fibers.
Do Deep Tissue Massages Hurt?
At times during the massage, you may feel some discomfort as your therapist works on areas where there are adhesions or scar tissue. Pain isn't always good, and it's not a sign that the massage will be effective. Your body may tense in response to pain, making it harder for the therapist to reach deep muscles. You should tell your massage therapist if you feel pain. They can adjust the technique or further prep the tissues to assist in relaxing muscles that are tense.
What to Expect after the treatment session?
After your massage therapy session, you may feel some soreness or stiffness, but this will dissipate within a day or two. Be sure to contact your licensed massage therapist if you have concerns or if you feel pain after having a massage.
Drink water before and after your massage session to help remove metabolic waste from the tissues.
Side Effects and Precautions
Deep tissue massage may not be safe for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, please consult with your doctor or primary care provider prior to massage therapy treatments.
· If you have Blood Clots or are risk for blood clots
· Have had recent surgery
· Chemotherapy
· Radiation
· Pregnant
Feeling tense and tight? A deep tissue massage is your ticket to relaxation! Not only does it alleviate chronic pain, but it also improves circulation and enhances mobility. Imagine melting away stress while promoting overall wellness. Don't wait—invest in self-care today!
Deep tissue massage focuses on specific areas of tension, employing firm pressure and slow strokes to penetrate deeply into muscles and fascia. This targeted approach by the massage therapist effectively releases knots and adhesions, providing relief from chronic muscle stiffness, tightness, and pain. Whether it's due to repetitive movements, injury, or postural imbalances, deep tissue massage can address the root cause of muscular discomfort.
By breaking down adhesions and scar tissue, deep tissue massage helps enhance flexibility and mobility in affected muscles and joints. As tension is released and muscle fibers are lengthened, individuals often experience improved range of motion, allowing for smoother and more fluid movements. Whether you're an athlete looking to optimize performance or someone seeking relief from everyday stiffness, increased flexibility can enhance overall physical functioning and prevent injuries.
Chronic pain conditions, such as lower back pain, neck stiffness, and fibromyalgia, can significantly diminish one's quality of life. Deep tissue massage offers a natural and non-invasive approach to pain relief by targeting trigger points and releasing built-up tension in affected muscles. Through the stimulation of blood flow and the release of endorphins, deep tissue massage not only alleviates pain but also promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being, making it an invaluable tool in pain management.
While deep tissue massage is renowned for its therapeutic benefits on a physical level, it also holds profound implications for mental and emotional well-being. The deep pressure applied during the massage triggers the body's relaxation response, leading to a decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol and an increase in feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. As muscular tension dissipates and the mind unwinds, individuals often emerge from a deep tissue massage feeling rejuvenated, centered, and more resilient to stressors.
Poor posture and musculoskeletal imbalances can contribute to chronic pain and discomfort. Deep tissue massage can help correct postural deviations by releasing tight muscles and restoring proper alignment. Moreover, for those recovering from injuries or surgeries, deep tissue massage can aid in rehabilitation by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue healing. Whether it's addressing the effects of desk-bound work or speeding up recovery from a sports-related injury, deep tissue massage plays a vital role in restoring balance and function to the body.
From relieving chronic pain to promoting relaxation and enhancing physical performance, the benefits of deep tissue massage are both profound and far-reaching. Whether you're seeking relief from muscular tension, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to unwind from the stresses of daily life, deep tissue massage offers a holistic approach to healing and well-being. By harnessing the power of skilled touch and therapeutic techniques, this modality empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards optimizing their health and vitality.