Why does deep tissue massage appear on the list of offerings of spas, massage centers, and physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics? Because it is highly recommended to combat stress, relieve chronic pain, and treat sports injuries!
So, if you suffer from headaches or back pain, if you feel your muscles are tight, or if you have knee problems (as an example!), read on to learn more about deep tissue massage: what it is, how it is done, its techniques, forms, benefits, and contraindications.
Deep tissue massage, or deep massage, is a technique that, as the name implies, aims to deeply relax muscles, fibrous tissues, and joints.
It is therefore often used to treat musculoskeletal problems, such as tension and sports injuries.
Deep tissue massage is believed to have begun with the ancient Egyptians, however its documented history dates back to the 1800s, when it was introduced in the USA, and later popularized by Therese Phimmer (creator of Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy) in a book entitled "Muscles... Your Invisible Bonds".
Since then, the technique has become widespread in massage centers and spas, mainly in the area of sports medicine and muscle therapy.
Through firm pressure movements (softer or more intense), capable of reaching key areas or innermost layers of the body, to release localized and chronic tension and pain, and even facilitate disinflammation processes.
However, there is no specific protocol, since the masseur applies pressure movements with his hands, fists, and elbows, according to the tensions he detects in each patient.
In any case, it always starts by encouraging a gentler relaxation of muscles and tendons, to then reach deeper areas of the body, release tension, and relieve pain.
Although it is a more intense massage, believe me you will not feel any pain or discomfort. All you will experience is peace of mind and a reduction in muscle tension or chronic pain.
Effectively, very few patients feel pain during deep-tissue massage, and this is only because their muscles are not usually manipulated. But the sensation is similar to that of sore muscles after a more intense workout, and after the first session, the feeling of discomfort passes.
Only if you are a person who is very sensitive to pressure movements, should you avoid this type of massage.
Deep tissue massage, or deep tissue massage, combines various stretching techniques with oriental massage techniques to decompress and release physical and emotional tensions, namely cross fiber friction, active release technique, muscle energy technique, Trigger point technique and Myofascial technique.
In fact, deep tissue massage techniques are similar to Swedish massage techniques, although the pressure movements are deeper and therefore even more beneficial for patients who want to get rid of all the accumulated tension and pain, and also treat musculoskeletal problems, such as sports injuries.
Deep tissue massage includes a wide variety of treatments used either by therapists and massage therapists, or by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other specialists. These include:
Swedish massage, although it is softer and more superficial, can incorporate vigorous techniques through a combination of sliding, pressure, percussion, and friction touches on the superficial musculature, with the goal of relaxing the patient and, at the same time, activating the circulation.
Sports massage uses a set of strong and fast techniques to promote better blood circulation and, consequently, a better recovery of muscle tissues.
It is the ideal massage for athletes and people who exercise regularly, since it promotes musculoskeletal balance and provides great physical and mental invigoration.
Thai massage works body and mind, through pressure movements performed in strategic points that release blocked energy. The goal is to improve blood circulation, promote relaxation, reduce pain and discomfort, and thus promote the patient's physical and emotional well-being.
There are several benefits of deep tissue massage, both for physical and mental health:
Deep tissue massage is not recommended for pregnant women and patients with recent fractures, open wounds, injuries, Osteoporosis, herniated discs, skin infections, inflammations, fever, deep vein thrombosis, Atherosclerosis, Diabetes, and tumors, among other health problems.
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