There are many types of massage and one of them is called deep tissue massage which involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue surrounding your muscles.
Used for
A deep tissue massage is typically used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff upper back and neck, sore shoulders, low back pain, and leg muscle tightness. A massage therapist uses warm oils and direct pressure to relax the top layer of muscle in order to reach deeper layers of the muscle tissue. The therapist uses palms and fingers to knead and manipulate your tissues. Elbows and forearms may also be used to apply increased pressure during a deep tissue massage.
Benefits
Deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific issue, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:
- Low back pain
- Upper back or neck pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls)
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Muscle tension in the hamstrings, IT band, glutes, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Sciatica
- Piriformis syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
“National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12 each year—and a good reminder for massage therapists to consider how healthy touch can help the 5 million Americans estimated, by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), to live with the pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia. There are many benefits of massage for fibromyalgia patients, states MassageMag.com.
Pain
“Muscles have a natural reflex to resist pain. When a muscle thinks it’s about to be injured, this reflex is triggered. When too much pressure is applied during a massage, the muscle or group of muscles will naturally resist force by tightening further. This is the opposite effect of what a massage is all about. Effective massages relax and release areas of tension. Most people will naturally try to avoid painful situations. Everyone has a different level of comfort and tolerance for pain and you should not tolerant more pain than you can reasonably bear. When the body is experiencing pain, it reacts with tension. During a deep tissue massage, discomfort is normal and will be felt if there are inconsistencies within the tissues. Discomfort is described as a “good hurt”, the kind that feels good at the same time. On the other hand, pain can be described as being uncomfortable and not tolerated well by the body. Massage therapists should work within the client’s comfort level and pain tolerance at all times. If a person cannot handle a high amount of pressure, it may take several more treatments to achieve the same results as someone with a higher threshold for pain. Results will occur, but at a slower rate, explains Angie’s List.
When not to use massage
“If you’ve had recent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or have another medical condition, it’s wise to check with your doctor before starting massage therapy. Some people with osteoporosis should avoid the deeper pressure of this type of massage. Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed or infected skin, skin rashes, unhealed or open wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, fragile bones, or areas of recent fractures. Massage may cause bruising and rarely, hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood cells), venous thromboembolism, and a condition known as spinal accessory neuropathy,” VeryWellHealth.com.
I Got Your Back Massage Therapy is conveniently located at 1684 Alternate 19 in Palm Harbor. Our massage therapists are skilled in a number of techniques to help you improve your physical and mental health, including relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, reiki, and aromatherapy. Contact the professionals at I Got Your Back Massage Therapy and set up an appointment by calling 727-772-0220.
