MASSAGE
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage works to lengthen and relax deep tissue. This type of massage may help manage pain and increase a person’s range of motion.
Deep tissue massage may be a suitable option to treat sports injuries or chronic back pain. The technique is sometimes considered one type of therapeutic massage.
BENEFITS OF DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage can provide many benefits for various conditions, including injury, chronic pain, and certain diseases.
May help back pain
Deep tissue massage significantly reduced pain compared to therapeutic massage.
May reduce high blood pressure
Research shows that sports massage may reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. However, there are limited studies that look at the effects of deep tissue massage on this condition.
Aids recovery after injury
Both deep and soft tissue release may aid recovery after an injury, such as an ankle injury.
Massage can help:
- relieve pain and stiffness
- improve circulation to reduce swelling or buildup of fluid around the injury
- speed up healing of muscle strains and sprains
- restore range of motion
Pregnancy
After 12 sessions of deep tissue massage lasting 30 minutes each, twice a week, the participant reported a reduction in lower back pain. Massage increases serotonin, which can relieve pain in the legs and back.
Massage therapy websites also suggest deep tissue massage can support better sleep, improve sports performance, and break up scar tissue.
Therapeutic massage, including deep tissue massage, may also help with:
- Mental health: Massage may help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also offer relaxation and improve coping mechanisms.
- Chronic lung disease: Massage may help improve respiratory function.
- Digestion: In addition to other therapies, massage may help with chronic constipation.
- Pain relief: Massage may help manage pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and sciatica. It may also help treat headaches and control pain during childbirth.
People may experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, particularly if a therapist targets problem areas. They can let their massage therapist know if a massage becomes too painful.
Although massage has a low riskTrusted Source of harm, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for everyone. People may want to first check with their doctor if they have any of the following:
- a blood clotting disorder
- increased risk of injury, such as bone fractures
- nerve injury
- older age
- any recent surgery or chemotherapy
- wounds or skin conditions
- hernia