Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic massage technique that can provide relief from a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, back pain, fibromyalgia, and high blood pressure. It is an effective treatment for lower back pain, as it can target the source of the pain and provide faster and longer lasting relief. Deep tissue massage applies more pressure to the muscles than a Swedish massage, which can help people with muscle pain, injuries, and chronic muscle pain. It can also help those suffering from anxiety or high levels of stress by releasing the muscle tension associated with these conditions.
According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), about 31 million Americans experience low back pain at some point. Research has found that deep tissue massages can be beneficial in relieving back pain, particularly chronic low back pain. Other studies have also found that deep tissue massages alone may be more effective in improving chronic symptoms than other types of massages combined with NSAID treatment. As technology advances and more people become massage therapists, these treatments are becoming increasingly available in many areas. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist will manipulate the body's soft tissues using different levels of pressure and movement with proven massage techniques. Amy Montia, doctor, LMT and medical massage practitioner at Physio Logic, notes that while a deep tissue session may include elements of relaxation, it is not necessarily a relaxing experience.
Although massage therapy is generally safe, deep tissue massage uses very firm pressure and may not be suitable for everyone. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. A regular massage is usually considered to be a relaxing body massage with calming music and a pleasant scent. To become a licensed massage therapist, one must generally complete between 330 and 1000 hours of training, including hands-on experience. Deep tissue massage is more suitable for people who engage in very physical activities such as running or for those who have an injury or chronic pain.
It should be noted that deep tissue massage is not typically used for relaxation but rather for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes. People have different pain thresholds and deep tissue massage can cause discomfort or even be slightly painful. This type of massage usually involves establishing an ongoing relationship with a massage therapist.
