Deep tissue massage: What it is and its 5 key benefits
Receiving a massage alone has great health benefits! It has been scientifically shown to effectively treat cancer-related fatigue, chronic low-back pain, frequent headaches, and post-operative pain.
So, you might be asking, “What about a deep tissue massage?”
A deep tissue massage is a different massage technique that has its own health advantages on top of general massage benefits. If you want to learn the answers to “What is a deep massage?” and “What are the main benefits of a deep tissue massage,” keep reading. We’ll answer everything you want to know while highlighting deep tissue massage’s five primary benefits.
Let’s get started!
What is a deep tissue massage?
There are five different deep tissue massage techniques that licensed massage therapists use. This includes cross-fiber friction, active release technique (A.R.T), muscle energy technique (M.E.T), trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. When you go to receive a deep tissue massage, your therapist might use a combination of these techniques depending on your goals or needs.
All deep tissue massages are similar to Swedish massage, except deep tissue therapy applies more pressure. By applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes, your massage therapist can target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissue. This style allows you to release stiffness and reduce chronic pain.
How does deep tissue massage work?
As we mentioned earlier, deep tissue massage uses sustained pressure and long, deep strokes to target your muscles and fascia. Because it works your connective tissue and fascia, it frees your muscles from entrapment. In other words, it has the ability to create systematic changes that help your muscles move more freely, which can improve your posture, lengthen your spine, and improve your soft tissue’s quality.
This is a special benefit of deep tissue massage that you won’t benefit from when receiving other types of massage therapy. If you’re particularly sensitive to touch, don’t worry you can still get a deep tissue massage. You can request gentle yet constant pressure that helps pinpoint your myofascial layer.
What are the 5 main benefits of deep tissue massage?
Each massage technique delivers specific benefits. In this case, deep tissue massage offers five unique benefits that you can’t get from other massage therapies. We’ll walk you through the five benefits of deep tissue massage, so you’ll know if it’s the best treatment for you and your specific needs, whether those needs are physical or mental.
1. Improved lung and heart function
This benefit may come as a surprise. You may have heard that a massage can help blood flow and your circulatory system, yet, what makes deep tissue massage so special is its ability to help your body’s organs. By releasing your fascia, your muscles can move more freely, increasing your blood flow. It also lengthens your muscles. This can improve your breathing and lung function while relieving any congestion.
2. Increased mobility
Deep tissue massage offers the unique ability to target any muscle scaring you may have had to your muscles, ligaments, or tendons. When your massage therapist applies sustained pressure and long strokes, they’ll be able to resolve those scars, leading to easier movement and a greater range of motion.
3. Reduced pain
Deep tissue massage focuses on relaxation. This helps to treat your muscle pain and reduce your overall stiffness that could be contributing to your body pain. Many studies have shown people with chronic low back pain, plantar fasciitis, and fibromyalgia greatly benefited from deep tissue massage.
4. More effective stress relief
Most people think of the physical relief of deep tissue massage. Yet, there are great emotional and mental health benefits, as well. Deep tissue massage can help reduce anxiety and depression more than other types of massage. It offers more effective stress relief that can greatly improve one’s mental and physical health. This can help significantly if you’re prone to headaches.
5. Better social bonds
The physical touch of deep tissue massage has the ability to improve your relationships. This is because the physical touch of massage releases oxytocin, and therefore, helps you feel more connected and happier to those in your life.
How often should I get a deep tissue massage?
Depending on you or your doctor’s desired results, how often you receive a deep tissue massage may vary. It’s normal for people to regularly get a massage once a month to receive the most benefits. However, you can seek a deep tissue massage daily, a few times a week, or a few times a month for pain. If you’re looking for stress relief, two to four times a week is optimal.
Gift cards now available: Book with Jean Paul Spa and Salons!
Jean Paul Spa and Salons offers massage gift cards that make the perfect birthday, holiday, or spontaneous “just because” gift! They’re a great option to get you, your friends, or family members feeling relaxed, refreshed, and more confident. If you’re interested in purchasing a gift card, you can purchase online.
Contact us today, as our offered massages have recently changed. If you’d like to book a deep tissue massage, you can schedule your massage through our booking portal today. Our massage therapists can help you achieve the pain and stress relief you desire while customizing your massage based on your individual needs.
