What are the Health Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage?

 

What is a deep tissue massage? Well, a deep-tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on the deeper layers of your muscles. It highly recommended by most massage therapists, rheumatologists, orthopedic specialists and neurologists for muscle relaxation. During a deep tissue massage, a massage therapist applies firm, deep pressure to your tense and “knotted muscles.” This type of massage is often used to treat a variety of health conditions (i.e. muscle disorders, arthritis, migraines, premenstrual syndrome, etc.). Although this type of massage offers numerous health benefits, it is important that you contact your physician before scheduling a deep tissue massage. If you are interested about learning more about the health benefits associated with deep tissue massages, you have come to the right place. This article will help you determine if this is the right massage for you!

Listed below are the health benefits of deep tissue massages:

• Provides Stress Relief

 

Do you always feel stressed or tense? If so, you may want to consider a deep tissue massage. Chronic stress can lead to a host of physical ailments like: migraines, tight muscles and stiff shoulders, which is why this type of massage is so beneficial. A deep tissue massage not only revitalizes your tired, strained, tense and stressed muscles, it also eases pain, and relaxes your mind.

• Lowers High Blood Pressure

Do you have high blood pressure? If so, you are in luck because another benefit of a deep tissue massage is that it alleviates the bodily stress and tension often responsible for high blood pressure. A constantly stressed or tense state can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (2014), a deep tissue massage can reduce your systolic blood pressure level by 10.4mm hg and your diastolic blood pressure by 5.3 mm hg, on average. This type of massage also increases your body’s serotonin production (the hormone responsible for your moods, happiness and positive feelings).

• Alleviates Chronic Pain

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (2014), deep-tissue massages are more affordable and effective than many traditional medical treatments, in regards to chronic pain. How is that? Well, deep tissue massages stimulate blood flow throughout your body. This type of massage not only reduces inflammation, it also relieves unremitting pain. Moreover, deep tissue massages help “unwind” tension knots caused by chronic pain.

• Reduces Scar Tissue

Yes, deep tissue massages can reduce scar tissue, over time, by breaking it up into smaller pieces that your body can absorb or expel. Scar tissue is linked to stiffness and chronic pain. Thankfully, deep tissue massages not only improves lymphatic drainage and circulation, they also increase your flexibility and mobility (range of motion) in the areas where scar tissue is present. This type of massage is extremely beneficially for those, who are recovering from a surgical procedure.

• Heals Injured Muscles

Lastly, deep tissue massages can help injured muscles heal from the trauma. This type of massage removes toxins from your body (muscles), and “unwinds” knotted, twisted or tight muscles. It also promotes healing, and relieves chronic pain from injured muscles. Deep tissue massages are often recommended by sports doctors.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2014). Massage: Get in touch with its many benefits. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743

University of Maryland Medical Center. (2014). Massage. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/massage