Deep tissue therapy entails the application of firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia. This increases blood flow and reduces inflammation, which may also promote faster healing. It is frequently used fro chronic aches and pain, as well as contracted areas like stiff necks, upper back and lower back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
Deep Tissue Massage Benefits More Than You Think
Beyond merely physical, deep tissue massage benefits penetrate further into the psyche, with psychological benefits to boot. While most massage techniques focus on promoting relaxation, our deep tissue therapy is aimed at treating muscle pain, thus improving the range of motion and alleviating the stress that often accompanies these symptoms.
A deep tissue therapy focuses pressure on the tissue of damaged muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
The resultant effects of this therapeutic massage include:
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Increased mobility
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Reduced lower back pain
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Accelerated recovery process
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Upper back and neck pain
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Tennis elbow
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Reduced pain associated with plantar fasciitis
What To Expect During Your Deep Tissue Therapy Session
While similar strokes may be applied during your session, it is important to note that deep tissue therapy differs from conventional Swedish massage. Your physiotherapist will apply lighter pressure at the beginning of your session, intended to warm up and prepare the muscles. This is followed by more specific techniques. These include:
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Stripping; deep gliding pressure applied along the length of the muscle fibres using elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs.
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Friction; pressure applied across the grain of the muscle, intended to release adhesions and to realign tissue fibres.
You may experience some stiffness and soreness after the massage, but it should subside within a day or two. Feel free to share your concerns with your physiotherapist at any time during the session. Staying hydrated may also help to flush metabolic waste from your tissues.