Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is one of the commonly used techniques during our Optimal Recovery Massage Sessions.
What are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage techniques offer both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus purely on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat common muscle pain and improve tissue quality.
A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage effectively reduced pain in people with chronic low back.
The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).
People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:
- Sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- High blood pressure
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
How Does it Compare to Swedish Massage?
Deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are two different types of massage therapy. Both use some of the same relaxing strokes, but they have different uses and vary greatly when it comes to the amount of pressure used.
Here are the key differences between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage:
- Intended use. Deep tissue massage is primarily used to treat chronic muscle pain and muscle and sports-related injuries. Swedish massage is mainly used to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension caused by everyday activities, such as sitting at a computer.
- Pressure. Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that uses far less tension than deep tissue massage. Both types involve use of the palms and fingers to knead and manipulate your tissues, but the elbows and forearms may also be used to apply increased pressure during a deep tissue massage.
- Area of focus. Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your muscles. It’s used to treat muscle and tendon injuries, pain, and stiffness in your major muscle groups and joints. Swedish massage targets the superficial layers of muscle and focuses on the parts of your body that tend to hold the most tension, such as your neck, shoulders, and back.