The deep tissue massage is a technique that is designed to work on the deeper tissues and muscles of the body. While standard Swedish massage is good for relaxation, it is not efficient for athletes, dancers and people with physically demanding jobs or people who have had accidents because they could have deeper damages to their muscles.

Core muscles sometimes tighten causing chronic pain and discomfort. As such, a regular massage technique might temporally remedy the problem but is a short term solution as the problem keeps recurring unless efficiently dealt with. A deep tissue massage is a long term way of handling these problems.

History

Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy first used by ancient Egyptian, Greeks and the far eastern civilizations. It makes use of similar techniques as used in Swedish massage but in a deeper application. These principles were developed by a Canadian physiologist named Therese Pfrimmer who began her own deep tissue massage after suffering paralysis in her legs. After applying a “digging” deep massage on the affected muscle, she reversed her paralysis after which she applied it on so many other peoples with the same result and satisfaction. This brought forth the deep tissue massage techniques.

Where deep tissue massage is effective

As with other massage types, deep tissue massage is beneficiary only when practiced regularly. Deep tissue massage is effective in curing chronic muscles tension caused by diseases or disorder. It is also used where there is painful adhesion in muscle connective tissues; malfunctioning muscles that block circulation and cause inflammation; for Osteoarthritis; Postural problems; fibromyalgia and others related ailments.

Deep tissue massage aims to bring relief to all these disorders and to improve muscle function by allowing tense muscles to relax and move freely.

How it works

For a deep tissue massage to be effective and yield fruit, it must be done by a specialized therapist. The therapist applies pressure and friction across and along the muscle fibers which acts to breaks down the adhesions in the connective tissues and restore a more regular range of movement. The massage relaxes the tight muscles and improves circulation in the deeper tissues of the muscle thereby bringing relief from pains and stress.

Deep tissue massage is special in that it focuses on specific affected areas of the body whereas other massage types are concerned with the body in general.

Side effects

At a certain point during the massage, many people find the massage discomfiting and painful. This is because of the high pressure exerted by the therapist so it is very important that there be easy communication between therapist and client so that the therapist is aware when the massage becomes painful or uncomfortable.

After the complete session which can take as long as an hour, there is usually some stiffness or pain, but this usually disappears within a day. The massage therapist might advice the application of ice at that area to foster the relief from pain.

Precautions and tips

Deep tissue massage is not recommended for clients with skin diseases or for those who have undergone recent surgery or chemotherapy. A therapist should always be aware if a client has any medical conditions. Also, a deep tissue massage should not be administered on a client soon after a heavy meal.

Author Bio: I write for AML Stone Source, the leading hot stone massage kit supplies provider. They carry products such as massage stones, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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