Australian citizens are increasingly and consistently integrating a complementary medical practice into their health and wellness rituals. This includes varying types of massage. A growing body of evidence points to the numerous health benefits associated with massage relating to conditions of stress, chronic pain, and more.
Wayne Massage is a highly reputable massage centre serving clients of Sydney for over a decade. Varying types of massages have different benefits and knowing what kind of bodywork can benefit you the most is key when choosing a massage therapist. Here we will discuss deep tissue massage, the practice, and the benefits associated with this type of massage.
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a highly specialised type of massage designed to apply pressure to the numerous layers of muscle and soft tissue of the body. When the muscles are tight, and blood circulation is low, the fascia, or connective tissues, become dehydrated and sticky.
In addition, if an injury occurs, the fascia will attach itself to the developing scar tissue. This stickiness, over time, begins to develop into knots called adhesions. Because adhesions and scar tissue are typically painful to stretch and move, they remain in the body and are linked to a limited range of motion, poor circulation, pain, and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage involves the application of firm pressure and slow, long strokes to reach the afflicted fascia and muscles beneath the surface of the skin. These movements are effective in breaking down adhesions and scar tissue and promoting blood flow to the areas.
Most deep tissue massage practises focus on major muscle groups, such as the neck and back, along with various joints that are susceptible to strain and injury.
Areas of the body that experience holding patterns in the muscles, such as the shoulders, neck, and hips, benefit significantly from deep tissue massage.
Deep Tissue Massage – What to Expect
Now that you have a better understanding of what deep tissue massage is and how it works to release deep tension and scar tissue, you are probably wondering what to expect during a deep tissue massage treatment.
First, the practitioner will apply light and gentle pressure to warm up the muscles. They will then gradually increase pressure and the length of the strokes, using various other techniques to encourage the release of adhesions.
The practitioner will likely encourage deep breathing techniques in order to promote the effectiveness of deep tissue massage. Other techniques that might be utilised include fingertip, elbow, or forearm pressure, and stripping – a method of applying pressure along the length of the muscle to promote the release of tension and increase circulation.
During deep tissue massage, you will experience firm pressure on the muscles and surrounding tissues, but your practitioner will check in with you frequently to maintain the best level of comfort.
Our massage therapists at Wayne Massage in Sydney are highly educated and well trained in their field. Following your deep tissue massage, your practitioner will provide you with tips for improving your posture and maintain good circulation throughout your body. This can help reduce long-term tension and muscle adhesions. In addition, they will provide you with information on how to reduce anxiety and stress in the body to improve relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage – the Benefits
Deep tissue massage and all other forms of massage therapy are known for their calming and relaxing effects on the body and mind. Although the aim of deep tissue massage is the release of tension and painful scar tissue accumulated throughout the body’s muscle groups, its benefits go beyond just muscle relief. Some of the whole-body benefits of deep tissue massage include:
- Relief of chronic back pain
- Positive effects on high blood pressure
- Reduce anxiety by lowering the stress hormone cortisol
- Improve athletic recovery
- Reduce symptoms of arthritis
Conditions Assisted by Deep Tissue Massage
A varying number of health conditions may be positively impacted by deep tissue massage. When you come in for your deep tissue massage appointment, let your practitioner know if any of these conditions apply to you so that they know best how to help you. Conditions that may benefit from deep tissue massage include:
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel
- Fibromyalgia
- Upper or lower back pain
- Poor posture
- Sciatica
- Arthritis pain
Limitations on Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is not for everyone. If you have yet to find an excellent and reputable massage therapist, we are confident in our highly trained team of staff members and will be happy to discuss and limitations on services that might exist for you. Generally speaking, if you are recovering from a major injury or surgery, deep tissue massage may not be right for you. If you are pregnant, have nerve damage, or are currently wearing a brace or cast, these may be deterring factors as well.
Anyone who has blood clots or might be at risk for developing should speak with their doctor prior to receiving deep tissue massage. Anyone who has undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatment should consult with their physician prior to deep tissue massage as well.
The Takeaway
At Wayne Massage in Sydney, we are proud to be an upstanding provider of therapeutic massage in the community.
If you are new to deep tissue massage or massage therapy in general and have been asking “what is deep tissue massage,” we welcome you to contact (02) 8073 9281 or stop by any of our Sydney clinics to get a feel for our services and environment. We look forward to helping you feel your best.