Deep tissue massage is an incredible technique that has gained a ton of popularity in Edmonton for its ability to relieve chronic pain, relieve muscle tension, and help people relax. In fact, deep tissue massage is what I specialize in at my West Edmonton Massage Clinic Francesco Holistic.
Today I want to dive deep into the world of massage and talk about some of the best deep tissue massage benefits I have witnessed firsthand, various techniques, and the overall science behind its effectiveness.
But first…
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a niche form of massage therapy that focuses on targeting the deep layers of muscles and connective tissues in your body. Unlike Swedish massage, which typically uses long strokes and gentle kneading, deep tissue massage employs more intense pressure and slower movements to reach the underlying muscle layers.
What Are Some of the Deep Tissue Massage Benefits?
For many people, the soft to medium pressure touch used during a Swedish massage doesn’t always offer enough pressure. Especially when there has been an injury or there is a larger underlying issue at play.
When you need more pressure, deep tissue massage can make all the difference.
Here are some of the best benefits available:
Pain Relief: Deep tissue massage is highly effective at alleviating chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. In fact, there is research to support that patients who received deep tissue massage said it was far more effective for relieving their chronic pain than medication than other medical treatments they had tried.
Stress Reduction: The pressure applied during a deep massage triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin in your body which promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels. Deep massage can also help with physical symptoms of stress, such as tightness in your neck and shoulders and tension headaches. A deep tissue massage works to address these issues and helps your body relax long afterwards.
Injury Recovery: Deep tissue massage aids in the rehabilitation of injuries by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. That’s actually why it’s so popular among Edmonton athletes. By increasing blood flow throughout the body including to the areas that have been affected by injury or overuse, it ensures that the area receives sufficient nutrients and oxygen which plays a huge role in the promoting of healing and recovery.
Breaks Up Scar Tissue: Usually when people have a build-up of scar tissue they feel pain and stiffness in the area. Receiving regular deep tissue massages can actually help break up that scar tissue by improving lymphatic circulation and drainage which gives you more flexibility and range of motion in the area. That’s actually why some doctors recommend deep tissue massage for patients after they have recovered from surgery and want to break up the tissue and avoid chronic pain issues.
The Science Behind Deep Tissue Massage
When you feel pain in your body, it can often be attributed to knots in your muscles that restrict blood flow to the area. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down the tension in those areas with strong pressure.
Then good things like blood, oxygen, and nutrients can flow to the area and work to heal the area. Plus deep tissue massage also releases endorphins in the brain which help enhance your mood and numb the effects of pain.
Techniques in Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage techniques are effective because they use slow strokes, direct pressure and friction movements that typically go across the muscle grain. It also combines various other massage techniques including:
Stripping: This involves deep, gliding pressure along the length of the muscle fibres to release tension
Trigger Point Therapy: I work on specific areas within the muscle tissue to alleviate pain and discomfort
Myofascial Release: This is where I apply sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissues to release tension and improve your mobility.
What to Expect During a Deep Tissue Massage
During a deep tissue massage appointment with me, I always encourage my patients to be as communicative as possible. While some level of discomfort is expected, especially if the area we are working on is quite tight, it should never feel painful. You and I will work together to find the right pressure level.
Things To Consider Before Booking a Deep Tissue Massage
While deep tissue massage offers numerous benefits for a lot of my patients, it might not be suitable for you. If you have certain medical conditions like blood clotting disorders or have just recently had surgery, I recommend talking to your doctor before making an appointment. I also advise any of my pregnant patients to book with a massage therapist specializing in prenatal care.
West Edmonton Deep Tissue Massage
I began specializing in deep tissue massage after seeing the incredible benefits it offered so many of my patients. As a powerful therapeutic tool that helps relieve chronic pain, improve mobility, and reduce stress, I have seen firsthand how deep tissue massage can greatly improve the quality of someone’s life.
If you are interested in learning more about deep tissue massage or would like to book a complimentary consultation, contact me online or call (780) 224-7111.