Overview
More than 18 million adults had a massage in 2007, according to the National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The use of hands to manipulate soft tissue and muscle can help to relieve pain, reduce stress and aid in general wellness. A number of different techniques are utilized by massage therapists, including deep tissue massage.
History
Use of deep tissue massage dates back centuries. Athletes in Greece used deep tissue massage when preparing for competitions. Julius Caesar was said to get pinched and rubbed every day to deal with his epilepsy. Hippocrates taught strong massage techniques to his medical students. During the 17th century, massage found disfavor when the Puritans reviled touching. But since its revival in the 1960s, it has been a widely accepted mode of therapy.
Potential
Deep tissue massage focuses on myofascial trigger points, or knots that develop from overuse or strain. While other forms of massage aim to relax the entire body, deep tissue massage usually targets trouble spots. Deep tissue massage is performed according to a patient’s tolerance. A trained therapist will ease off on the heavy pressure if the client feels pain from the pressure.
Effects
Deep tissue massage addresses the compression that sometimes occurs when muscles become bound together. For proper function, muscles need to be loose and move freely over one another. An injury, constant stress or bad posture can squeeze muscles together and restrict mobility. During a deep tissue massage, each layer of muscle is loosened.
Benefits
Deep tissue massage, while initially somewhat painful, can relieve the tension caused by constrictions in various muscle groups. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to feel relief after a deep tissue rubdown. In addition to relieving specific aches and pains, deep tissue massage improves circulation and mood and increases energy and alertness.
Warning
While the National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that massage is generally safe, you should contact your doctor before getting a deep tissue massage if you are being treated for any condition. A trained, licensed therapist should perform deep tissue massage. It is contraindicated for people with blood clots, bleeding disorders, open wounds or broken bones. While deep tissue massage is generally safe for cancer patients, when performed incorrectly it can dislodge a tumor.
