4 Important Things To Know About Getting A Deep Tissue Massage

If you are experiencing pain in your body, one way to treat that pain is with a professional massage session. Deep tissue massage is specifically recommended for people who are experiencing chronic or focused pain. If your doctor has recommended deep tissue massage as a tool for dealing with your pain, here are four more important things you need to understand about deep tissue massage before you get your first treatment.

#1: Source of Pain Is Treated

With a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist focuses on treating the source of your pain. Sometimes, when one experiences ongoing muscle tension, the tension is caused by adhesions. Adhesions are bands of tissue in your body that have become rigid and thus painful. These bands are made up of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Adhesions are painful because they cause your tissues to become inflamed and limit your movement in addition to causing pain.

With this type of massage, your massage therapist will work to break down all the adhesions in your body that are the source of your chronic pain. This is achieved by relaxing the surface muscles and then applying deep pressure directly to the adhesions.

#2: Some Pain Is Normal

It is normal to feel a little discomfort and even a little pain during a deep tissue treatment session. The therapist is applying direct pressure to knots on your back that are inflamed and causing you pain; breaking up these knots can hurt a little bit.

#3: Communication Is Important

Keep in mind that you control the massage. If the pain level you are experiencing is more than you can handle, let your massage therapist know. Breaking up the adhesions and releasing the tension in your body is going to take time. Communicate with the massage therapist and let them know if you need them to move onto another area or apply less pressure. Communication is important for a successful massage.

#4: Stiffness Afterwards Is Common

A deep tissue massage is different than a relaxing Swedish massage. With a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist is working deep into your muscles, breaking up adhesions, and working your muscles and tendons. A deep tissue massage is more like a workout, and your body may respond as such. You may feel a little sore 24-48 hours before the relief sets in following your massage. Drinking lots of water after your massage and stretching a little bit can help speed up the healing benefits of a deep tissue massage.

If you experience chronic pain, a trained massage therapist can work to target the source of your pain. Communicate your needs with your massage therapist and remember to drink lots of water after your massage. You may experience a small amount of soreness initially, but a deep tissue treatment should provide you with relief over the long run.

To learn more, contact a resource like The Essence of Massage.


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