Deep tissue massage therapy is a technique of massage that places full focus on the deep layers of the muscles and the connective tissues bringing them back into alignment.
Deep Tissue Massage for Treating Chronic Conditions
Deep Tissue massages gets to the heart of the problem by focusing on a specific area, this is unlike normal full body massages which only deals with relaxation. This type of massage therapy places greater concentration on the following conditions:
- Any form of chronic pain, Mobility that is limited, Will aid in the recovery of injuries due to: sports, whiplash and falls
- Strain injuries that are repeated, for instance, carpal tunnel syndrome, Pain due to osteoarthritis, Pain associated with fibromyalgi, Tension or spasms in the muscles
Deep tissue massage therapy will greatly benefit areas that are chronically tense, have become contracted and are very painful, if you are experiencing pain in your lower back, sore shoulders, stiff neck, or other areas that are chronically painful; then a neck massages, back massages or shoulder massages will bring about relief from chronic pain.
An important factor to note is that correct massage will bring about a long-term change in the muscle structure, creating an increased degree of relaxation which will alleviate pain and improve painful conditions.
Causes that create muscle pain and tension
Chronic muscle pain and tension is characterised by bands of very rigid and painful muscles. The way that Deep tissue massage therapy will work, is by physically breaking down the rigid bands in the muscles. Adhesions block circulation, limits movement and cause pain and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage will work with the Client’s pain threshold level
When a client comes into the massage studio, Cape Town, they will arrive with certain areas that are especially painful, the client will not be able comfortably tolerate pain in those areas. The Masseur needs to know where the pain is sited; therefore, it is important that the client communicates their pain level to the massage therapist during the Deep tissue massage session
Deep tissue massage therapy is not a hard massage but a deep massage that will relax the client; it is enjoyable and will result in long lasting benefits.
A typical session the masseur works within a pressure scale of 1-10. Six is considered idea pressure, at this point you will feel the muscle and a bearable slight pulling in one direction; the massage will not cause the body to tighten in order to withstand the pressure of the massage.
In order to cope better with the pain, the therapist will ask you to breathe deeply when working on the tense areas, the deep breathing will also relax and help you feel more at ease.
Techniques used in Deep Tissue Massag
The Massage therapist will mostly use strokes using the forearms, fists, and elbows, and on occasions the thumbs will be used. Compared to normal massage the pressure used on the stroke will be greater but the performance of the strokes is slower.
There are some classical strokes that are used, however, these strokes are performed much slower, and the pressure is much deeper. The therapist will concentrate on the areas that are more tense and painful.
During a typical session the deep slow movements of deep tissue massage, the fingertips, hands, knuckles, elbows and the forearms are used. This allows the muscle tissue to lengthen and relax.
The final Results, Great!
When completed the Deep tissue massage therapy session the client should feel a greater capacity of movement in the painful areas and also a deep feeling of ease and relaxation