Posted on September 14, 2007 in Massage Techniques
Deep tissue massage, which is also referred as sports massage, can help relieve pains in the deep tissues under the skin. This is also referred as sports massage because it is of great help and need to the sports persons and athletes. In deep tissue massage pressure is applied to the deep layers of connective tissue, tendons, fascia and muscles under the skin.
Compared to other types of massage, deep tissue massage is fairly vigorous. Specifically the massage therapist applies deep pressure using his fingertips in a slow stroking way. The therapist also uses forearm, elbow and other pressures on specific tissues. The therapist will stroke the tissue following the grain of the muscle, tendon or fascia in a smoothing pattern. Sometimes the therapist may actually work against the grain of the fibers to get some specific therapeutic effect.
The main purpose of this massage is to release the muscle tension. Normally your tissues are usually chronically contracted due to stress or overuse. In that case deep tissue massage is of great help. This massage can effectively treat many health conditions.
Some potential health benefits of deep tissue massage include:
How is it done?
In the deep tissue massage method, the therapist mainly focuses on specific areas and massages using deep and slow massaging strokes. These kinds of deep strokes help the massage sink below the surface layers. And, the massage effect penetrates deeper into the structure of muscle fibers. The therapist also uses compression and long slow strokes. For this, the therapist uses fingertips, forearms, elbows, knuckles, thumbs, fists and hands.
The therapist uses lotion, oil or cream to reduce the friction in working into the deeper structures of the muscle fibers. Frequently, the therapist may also use aromatic oils or lotions that help enhance the response to relax and self heal.
Sometimes the deep tissue massage can be mildly uncomfortable. But, to reduce the discomfort, the therapist warms the soft tissue before getting into deeper fibers. A well-trained deep tissue massage therapist also instructs you proper breathing techniques to bring your bodies’ natural healing response into a proper play.
Sometimes, the massage therapist may ask you to do stretching and strengthening exercises, to make the total massage session a successful, holistic therapeutic program.
So, if you have any issues especially with your muscles and deeper tissues, then try deep tissue massage therapy for better health and best results.
