Deep Tissue Massage: Benefits, Potential risks and side effects

Deep tissue massage therapy is a wonderfully restorative massage technique that may be used to alleviate pains and ailments from exercise or musculoskeletal problems. Deep tissue massage’s advantages range from reducing inflammation to providing a sense of well-being and relaxation. We’ll explore the advantages of deep tissue massage, as well as potential side effects and risks, and how it compares to various types of massage in this post. Also, we’ll go through what to anticipate during treatment and how to locate a masseur.

What is a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massages are one of the most popular kinds of massages. While many people don’t know exactly what deep tissue massage is, it’s pretty much as straightforward as its name – deep pressure on your muscles to work out knots and provide relief for chronic aches.

The goal is to release the tension and tightness held firmly in your muscles and connective tissues using delicate strokes with moderate finger pressure. Deep tissue massage will usually target your primary sources of discomfort. The back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and legs are the most common focuses. It may also be used on the arms, such as in tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis.

The deeper pressure relieves muscular ache and imbalance as a result of injury or tension. A deep tissue massage will help to relieve tension in your body caused by anxiety or stress. It usually lasts 60 minutes to 90 minutes. It is a strong massage technique, but you shouldn’t feel any discomfort.

What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage may enhance the health of your muscles, reduce pain, and aid in the treatment of a variety of diseases. This type of massage has both physical and mental health advantages. The majority of massages just focus on relaxation. A deep tissue massage provides you with these advantages as well, but it also helps your body by reducing pains and stiffness. The following are the most important benefits of deep tissue massage:

1. It lowers back pain

According to research, deep tissue massage reduced pain considerably more than a therapeutic massage. Providing relief from pressure and pain is the main reason why patients seek out a deep tissue massage. If you constantly deal with back pain, it might be worth your while to check in for a session.

2. It reduces high blood pressure

Sports massage has been found in studies to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Deep tissue massage reduces stress and induces relaxation. A great all-natural way to reduce stress and feel relaxed is through getting a massage. You can get better sleep. It also improves your mood, reduces depression and anxiety, and increases self-esteem.

3. It aids in the recovery process after an accident

Both deep and soft tissue release may help with recovery after an ailment, such as an ankle sprain, according to recent studies.

4. It releases tension from your body

Most people have been stressed or have experienced some form of pain in their life. It’s completely natural to carry stress and pain in your body. Deep tissue massage will release the built-up tension you’ve been having a hard time letting go of, so it’s easier for you to breathe and move around when you’re not in pain.

5. It reduces muscle soreness

Because deep tissue massage helps to remove adhesions and break up scar tissue, it can reduce the amount of time that you feel sore after exercising or working out. It also aids in recovery from an injury or broken bones.

6. It eases menstrual cramps

If you get regular massages during your period, it can reduce cramping by releasing muscle tension in the abdomen. Some women swear by this method for treating menstrual pain – some even say it’s more effective than taking pain relievers.

7. It can aid in weight loss

A study conducted by the American Council on Exercise shows that a one-hour massage boosts your metabolic rate for up to 24 hours, allowing you to burn more calories long after the treatment is over.

The relaxation response, as it’s called, was first identified by Dr. Herbert Benson, a Harvard professor, who found that it can also help to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

8. It reduces the risk of catching cold

Chronic stress suppresses your immune system – meaning you’re more likely to catch colds during times of high anxiety. If you reduce the amount of stress in your life, by practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, you’ll naturally boost your immune system.

9. It strengthens the endocrine system

Massaging releases hormones that reduce stress and boost feelings of well-being – in turn strengthening your body’s healing mechanism. This means you’re less likely to get sick when you’re under pressure (at work, for example).

Side effects: The after-effects of a deep tissue massage

After a deep tissue massage, you may feel sore in the region that was treated. You should not experience violent discomfort, and if you do, you should talk to your massage therapist about it. Sleepiness and thirst are the most common aftereffects of a deep tissue massage. We propose scheduling a home deep tissue massage so that you may drink water and take a nap, or go to sleep, shortly after.

A deep tissue massage might cause a headache or even make you feel nauseated. This is due to the toxins in your body moving about. Drink lots of water, relax, and the tension will go away. Because of the positive effects of the hormones released by deep pressure, you may anticipate feeling refreshed in terms of your mood. Some of these after-effects are ‘good,’ while others may be a little frightening.

Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is generally safe and can be performed by most people. If you have clotting problems or osteoporosis, though, you should avoid it. You’ll see results over time once any adverse effects have worn off. However, understanding what to do after a deep tissue massage might assist you.

What to do after a deep tissue massage session

For your massage to be beneficial to you, there are a few things you can do to help.

Immediately after a deep tissue massage session, you can take something warm to drink such as herbal tea. This will help the body rid itself of toxins and improve blood circulation. You’ll often find that you feel more tired than usual, so we advise taking a cat nap immediately after your treatment.

The time frame for after-effects varies depending on how many toxins your body is releasing. Most often, though, you’ll feel better after around 8 hours. If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms than usual, such as pain of any kind or dizziness, or nausea, please contact your massage therapist right away.

If your massage therapist gave you something to stretch with during the session, you should continue to do so when you get up. This will accelerate your recovery. Just make sure to see your therapist before doing any strenuous activity or exercise with immediate effect. You should be able to resume normal activities after a deep tissue massage.

1. Drinks lots of fluids

Drink at least 2 cups of water after a deep tissue massage session, preferably warm. If you’re not fond of drinking water, try some fruit juice or herbal tea instead. For better recovery, we recommend that you have your next deep tissue massage on the following day so that you can benefit from the recovery effect.

2. Make a balanced meal

It’s common to feel a little hungry following a massage. Have a healthy fruit salad or a nutritious rainbow salad with some protein in it.

3. Get in the bath

A hot bath may help if you’re feeling achy. An ice pack can be beneficial if an injury region is uncomfortable.

4. Rest and relax

Alternatively, have a snooze or at the very least put your feet up to relax while you sip your drink and listen to soft music. This will assist your muscles in remaining relaxed. Don’t go straight out to do sport or exercise after getting the massage; allow at least 24 hours for your body to reap the benefits.

Different types of deep tissue massage

Swedish deep tissue massage

Swedish massage is relaxing and light with a variety of oils and pressure to calm the muscles and increase circulation. Beneficial for very tense people, athletes in training, or those recovering from surgery. This massage is also called relaxation massage since it’s designed to give you a relaxed feeling, just like when you get into bed to go to sleep. Swedish massage is a very popular form of bodywork because it’s non-invasive and relaxing. It has been used for centuries as a healing tool in Europe, but now it’s being offered worldwide as a therapy to alleviate pain and help the body heal itself.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu is very similar to Swedish, except it uses acupressure techniques. These are the same techniques used in acupuncture but without piercing the skin or using needles. It starts with broad, flowing strokes that move towards specific target areas. The Shiatsu therapist presses his or her fingers and palms into the client’s muscles, squeezing and kneading to stimulate acupoints.

This massage focuses on specific parts or zones of the body that might be out of balance along lines called meridians in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). The idea is to send signals to these trouble spots which can help restore harmony and balance in the body.

Reflexology

Reflexology massage concentrates on the feet, where acupressure points are believed to correspond to all parts of the body. The receiver lies on his or her back while the practitioner uses thumbs and fingers to apply pressure along with specific points of the foot.

Neuromuscular massage

Neuromuscular massage is a very light massage that focuses on stretching and softening muscles. Deep kneading moves are used to relax the body and improve motion. It can prevent or ease sports injuries, respiration issues, muscular pain or tension, poor posture, and stress from not doing enough exercise. Neuromuscular massage helps restore the activity of specific muscles and joints to maintain muscle tone and stability. Massage can also help relieve pain, stiffness, swelling, and stress.

Craniosacral therapy

Aims to ease stress and tension by realigning the bones of the skull, spine, face and pelvis. As part of treatment, practitioners manipulate muscles at specific sites to reduce swelling or improve nerve function. It’s also used as a preventative health measure if there are issues in the way these systems are functioning.

Lymph drainage therapy

Lymph drainage therapy encourages a slow flow of lymphatic fluid during a gentle massage designed to treat swollen tissue from inflammation or infection. The lymph nodes are believed to trap toxins before they reach the bloodstream, so it’s important to clear them through massage.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of traditional Japanese healing that uses light touch and chakra energy to reprogram the body for good health. The word “reiki” means universal life force energy. Practitioners must be initiated into the practice by receiving training in techniques before they can offer treatments.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage exclusively incorporates stones that are heated to a high temperature before being placed on the body. The stones, usually basalt or jade, help produce a deep sense of relaxation and warmth throughout the receiver’s body. It works best for those with chronic aches and pains that have been difficult to relieve.

If you want to learn more, you can continue reading: All You Need To Know About Hot Stone Spa.

Conclusion

A massage can be a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. Massage therapists use many different types of massage techniques, depending on the needs of their clients. Other forms of therapy incorporate massage into the mix for healing purposes.

Swedish, shiatsu, reflexology, neuromuscular massage, craniosacral therapy, lymph drainage therapy, reiki, and hot stone massage are just a few of the different kinds of massages available.

If you’re a therapist looking for massage equipment and tools, check out some of the massage supplies on our site today!


1 thought on “Deep Tissue Massage: Benefits, Potential risks and side effects”

Leave a Comment