Deep tissue massage is beneficial for clients with chronic musculoskeletal issues including lower back pain, sciatica, myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. It is also helpful for sports injuries like tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.
It is important for therapists to have a thorough understanding of contraindications such as blood clots and acute injuries before performing deep tissue massage. Proper documentation and clear client-therapist communication are key to ensuring safety and efficacy. For professional help, contact Deep Tissue Massage Tulsa.
Getting a deep tissue massage is not only relaxing, but it helps reduce stress hormones in your body. When your body experiences stress, it increases cortisol levels which triggers the fight or flight response, but the effects of a massage decrease these levels and stimulate the production of feel good hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin. In addition, regular sessions have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
A massage can also increase awareness of the areas in your body that are tight or restricted, which can lead to a mind-body connection that can then be addressed through physical therapy, meditation and other self care practices. This awareness can improve your posture and body balance, which can have a positive impact on your mood.
The deep manipulation of the muscles and tissues can result in some soreness after a session, but it is important to communicate with your therapist about your comfort level. A good therapist will be sensitive to the fact that each person has different pain tolerances, so they will adjust their technique and pressure accordingly. During the massage, you will be fully undressed and covered with a sheet, then positioned on a table where the therapist applies slow, firm pressure using hands, arms, feet and elbows. You should be able to tell the therapist if you are uncomfortable at any point during the massage, so they can adapt their style to accommodate your needs.
During a deep tissue massage, the therapist can target problem areas such as your back, neck, shoulders and buttocks. It can also be used on the arms, for example in cases of tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis, and the legs, including your feet, if you suffer from chronically tight or injured calf muscles.
In one study, researchers had participants undergo massages in which the therapist worked on their arms and legs. The results showed that when a massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), or the relaxation part of your immune system, it has a direct impact on your heart rate variability (HRV), which is an indicator of how stressed or relaxed you are. The more stressed you are, the lower your HRV is.
Relieves Pain
Deep tissue massage improves range of motion, breaks up scar tissue and adhesions, increases blood flow, loosens muscle tissues, and relieves pain. It also helps to break down toxins that build up in the muscle tissue which can cause inflammation and discomfort. Drinking water after the massage is important to hydrate and aid in flushing out the released toxins.
This type of massage can feel intense and it is important to communicate with your therapist to ensure you have an optimal experience. People have different pain thresholds and the therapist will slowly increase pressure while checking in with you to make sure it is comfortable.
The reason that a massage is effective at relieving pain is because it interrupts the cycle of damage and pain. Often when muscles are damaged, the nerve pathways that relay those messages to the brain become hypersensitive and over-react. Massages help to reduce that sensitivity by sending other messages to the brain that override the pain signals.
In addition to relieving musculoskeletal pain, massage can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompanies such problems. Studies show that massage decreases both stress and anxiety levels, as well as cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the hormone that is produced when your body is under chronic stress and can contribute to a variety of health problems.
A deep tissue massage can alleviate back and neck pain, as well as other musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic thoracic outlet syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, and sciatica. It can also help with fibromyalgia, trigger points, sports injuries like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, and even improve poor posture.
The benefits of a deep tissue massage can last for weeks or even longer with consistent sessions and proper self-care. It can be used in combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care, to achieve more sustained results. Those who are experiencing chronic pain should speak with their medical professional to see if this type of massage is right for them. A licensed massage therapist can advise you on whether or not a deep tissue massage is safe for you and provide the best techniques to alleviate your pain.
Increases Flexibility
Deep tissue massage is often used to break up scar tissue and adhesions, which can be painful and restrictive. When these knots are broken down it helps muscles to move more easily reducing pain and tightness and improving flexibility. The increased blood flow that the treatment stimulates promotes better suppleness and increases tissue elasticity. This can also help to prevent future injuries by preventing soft tissues from tightening up.
The breakdown and realignment of collagen fibres is another way that massage improves flexibility. Collagen fibres that are formed to heal injuries lie in a haphazard position over muscle fibres, which makes movement more difficult and reduces flexibility. The increase in temperature during massage causes the collagen fibres to soften enabling the therapist to manipulate them, breaking down and loosening the adhesions that are causing stiffness.
Massage can also improve the elasticity of soft tissues by increasing the rate at which the fibres stretch. The improved elasticity also allows muscle to work more efficiently, decreasing fatigue and allowing the muscles to move more freely. This can be especially useful for athletes who are pre event as it can help them to achieve their peak performance without over stretching or causing injury.
In addition to increasing flexibility, massage can help to reduce swelling in the soft tissues. This is particularly beneficial to people with arthritis, who frequently experience swelling in their joints and muscles. The decreased swelling can help to alleviate the pain and stiffness that can often accompany arthritis and can make it easier to move around.
A regular program of massage can also be helpful for preventing arthritis and other chronic conditions, as well as boosting overall wellbeing. It can also be an effective part of a recovery plan if you have an existing injury as the therapist can target specific areas that are problematic, and speed up healing.
Promotes Healing
A massage stimulates the body’s natural healing process by increasing white blood cell count and boosting cytokines, which are chemicals that reduce inflammation, increase tissue flexibility and break up adhesions. These changes can lead to lessening pain, decreasing fatigue and improving muscle strength. Additionally, massage can also help reduce heart rate and blood pressure by lowering stress levels.
Depending on the individual and the technique used, some degree of discomfort may be experienced during a deep tissue massage session. A good practitioner will know when the pressure is too hard or too soft, and he or she will be able to modify the amount of force applied in order to make the session as comfortable as possible.
It’s important to discuss any specific pain points, injuries or medical conditions with your massage therapist prior to the appointment in order to tailor the treatment to the client’s needs. It is also helpful for clients to know that they will likely be sore or tender following a session as the muscles and tissues are healing.
Some people might feel nauseous following a deep tissue massage, which is a result of the release of toxins in the body. Drinking plenty of water after a session can help flush these toxins from the body and improve overall health and well-being.
Adhesions are fibrous bands of scar tissue that bind together tissue layers, such as muscle, ligaments, fascia or tendons, and interfere with normal movement, causing reduced range of motion and increased pain. During a massage, techniques like cross-fiber friction and myofascial release can break up adhesions and knots that contribute to pain, stiffness and lack of flexibility.
The benefits of a therapeutic massage are numerous and can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. It’s recommended to consult a qualified professional who is experienced in providing deep tissue massage. A good massage therapist will be able to assess the client’s individual needs and recommend the appropriate treatment.