“Deep tissue massage” is the term you see the most on the service list on some massage therapy websites. What is a deep tissue massage? It’s a sub-technique used in therapeutic massage. This massage technique centers on realigning and releasing the chronic pattern of tension in your body. It involves a deep pressure through slow stroke on the tense area across the fibers of the muscles, tendon, and fascia. Some people might find this a little uncomfortable. It’s primarily used to treat chronic pain and muscle and sports-related injuries.
A massage can last anywhere from a half-hour to 120 minutes. This is a time well-spent when your muscle is hurt or feels sore. But, how does deep tissue massage help you and what is the benefit?
Three Benefits or Facts of Deep Tissue Massage You Should Know
Here are some benefits and facts a deep tissue massage can bring you:
More Pain, More Gain?
There are some common myths about deep tissue massage. For example, this massage is only effective with intense, painful pressure, deep tissue massages are most beneficial while relaxed. Because, when our muscles feel the pain sensation, this causes them to tense up to protect themselves. The purpose of a massage is to help those with tense and painful muscles to relax and let go of the pain. In the massage world, it’s the reverse, no pain is a definite gain.
Stress Reliever and Make You Relax
Due to the common myth above, many believe a deep tissue massage must be painful because of the deep pressure, instead, this is a great way to unplug and relax. It can also help with physical symptoms of stress, like tight muscles on the shoulders, and headaches. Because this massage technique reduces tension and stress, it also can impact your blood pressure. Massage has a positive impact on systolic, diastolic, and arterial blood pressure, also increases serotonin production, which helps stabilize your mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness.
Boost Your Injured Muscle Recovery and Reduce Inflammation
When you get injured, your body has a defense mechanism that creates a cushion around the tissue that in the middle of healing serves as a shield to keep foreign invaders from the opportunity to infect, named inflammation. The bad thing is this inflammation creates pain because it puts pressure on your nerves, and also too much inflammation can damage the cells, nerves, and tissue.
A massage can reduce the inflammation to ease the pain and help you prevent further injuries. A deep tissue massage can help stretch tight or twisted muscles and can also facilitate the movement of toxins from your muscles. Deep tissue massage therapy is used frequently to treat sports-related injuries. This is because it can help delay the onset of muscle soreness, help with muscle fatigue, and prevent injuries.
A Massage Using a Massage Gun
If you enjoy deep tissue massages on the reg, chances are you’ll love a massage gun too. You probably already heard about a massage gun. Massage guns are everywhere. Many athletes endorse them and fitness trainers back them, but they’re more than just a trend.
Massage guns utilize percussive therapy or vibration therapy, sometimes both simultaneously. They’re both types of soft tissue manipulation that experts believe to reduce muscle soreness and post-workout fatigue. To use a massage gun for sore muscles, adjust the speed and depth settings to where they don’t cause pain. Because sore muscles tend to be sensitive, you’ll probably want to stick to the lower settings on your device. Once you find a setting that feels good, use the massage gun for one to two minutes on each sore area.
However, it’s important to use caution when applying any sort of force to your body. Avoid using a massage gun on any injuries, bruises, or overly sensitive areas. Remember to discuss with your doctor if you’re not sure if a massage gun is a right tool for you.
