Does a deep tissue massage actually work?
Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help to you unwind mentally, too. A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce pain in people with chronic low back. Once the massage therapist starts to work on your body, they may be able to feel areas where there is tension or blockages in the flow of energy; this could be related to physical pain, mental stress, or emotional pain.Your comfort level is where you can surrender to the session and be open to healing. When you receive a massage your comfort level is up to you and no one else. It may even vary over time. Your therapist should meet you in that space of comfort, honoring and working within your boundaries.Massage therapists use various tools, such as their hands and fingers, to locate knots within the muscles. They will often start by gently palpating the area to feel for any tight or hard areas. Once they have found an area of tension, they may apply specific techniques designed to release it.The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It’s where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.Don’t forget that a massage is an intimate procedure, so mutual confidence and trust is important, as is respecting a mutual code of conduct during the treatment.
Who should not get deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is not for everyone. In some cases, it can cause muscle tears, bone fractures, or even a stroke. If you have osteoporosis or certain types of cancer, you might be more at risk of these things. Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have a blood clot or blood disorder. A full-body massage doesn’t have to include your sensitive areas. You can say which parts of your body you don’t want to be touched.Discomfort or Pain During the Massage While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain. If you leave feeling no relief from tension or soreness, that’s a major red flag that the massage was ineffective.No, touching the masseuse is not any form of massage. Even in some spas you are not allowed to touch the masseuse. While in some places the masseuse allows you to touch to get some extra money, even we don’t need to judge them for that.Yep! But if you’re not comfortable you can always decline! Just because it’s a common practice or a providers area of expertise, does not mean it’s for everyone. It’s YOUR massage, and there’s no point in being uncomfortable during a massage session.Try not to ask your massage therapist for their opinion on non-massage related things, as they are there to provide you with a professional massage, not give life advice. Try to keep the conversation light, just as you would with a work colleague.
What is the disadvantage of deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage applies firm pressure to the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue—this intensity can pose risks such as dislodging blood clots or irritating sensitive areas, which is why it’s generally avoided during pregnancy. Deep tissue massage is not for everyone. In some cases, it can cause muscle tears, bone fractures, or even a stroke. If you have osteoporosis or certain types of cancer, you might be more at risk of these things. Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have a blood clot or blood disorder.After a deep tissue massage you can expect to feel a little tender in the area that has been worked. You shouldn’t feel active pain, and if you do, you should discuss this with the massage therapist. Most clients find that the biggest after effects of a deep tissue massage are sleepiness and thirst!Experiencing soreness or tight muscles is normal after a massage, especially if it’s been a while since your last massage or you’ve never had one. Bodner points out that this discomfort usually lasts a few hours to about a day and a half.Let’s start with the most common side effect: bruising and soreness. When you’re on the receiving end of a deep tissue massage, your therapist is applying intense pressure to reach those deeper muscle layers. This pressure can sometimes cause small tears in the blood vessels beneath your skin, leading to bruising.
What are the 5 basic manipulation of massage?
It’s a fair comparison when considering the five basic massage techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and tapotement. The document discusses the Four T’s of palpation in massage therapy: Temperature, Texture, Tenderness, and Tone.
What happens during a 2 hour massage?
A spa treatment for two hours is not an exaggerated version of a regular massage. It covers a wide array of services, from rest of particular muscles or areas of the body to offer the deepest level of relaxation, detoxification, and revitalization of the entire being. As massage therapy relieves physical tension, it can also unlock emotional stress stored within the body. This release may unexpectedly manifest as tears, highlighting the deep connection between our physical and emotional states.The Bottom Line By releasing a variety of toxins — from metabolic wastes like lactic acid and urea to stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline — massage provides a plethora of health benefits that extend well beyond simple relaxation.