Overview
The benefits of deep tissue massage go far beyond the luxurious sensations and relief of tired and sore muscles. In addition to soothing your stiff neck or aching back, deep tissue massage may improve postural alignment issues, increase blood flow to damaged tissue, decrease stress and even elevate your mood. After surgery or an injury, this form of therapy enhances healing and helps restore proper movement to muscles and joints.
Relief of Muscle Tension
According to licensed massage therapist Bill Naylor, of Charlotte, North Carolina, the main purpose or function of deep tissue massage is to encourage the release of muscle spasm or tension. “People who display chronic patterns of stress or tension that are being expressed in muscle pain are ideal candidates for deep tissue massage,” says Naylor. The application of deep pressure along the grain of the muscle, using long stroking techniques, encourages the release of muscle tension or spasm.
Increased Blood Flow
In deep tissue massage, the therapist applies firm pressure to the affected muscles with fingertips, forearms, elbows and knuckles. This aggressive therapeutic approach results in increased blood flow to the tissue. In turn, the increased blood flow carries oxygen to the body, which enables the removal of toxins and promotes healing. This particular benefit is why many competitive athletes turn to this form of therapy after heavy training sessions.
Elimination of Scar Tissue
Another benefit of deep tissue massage is the positive effect it has on scar tissue. After a surgical procedure or perhaps after a sports injury, deep tissue massage therapy can help speed up recovery by breaking up scar tissue. With less scar tissue, the body returns to normal function quicker and joints experience greater range of motion.
Mood Elevation
According to a 2008 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, cancer patients showed a decrease in pain and an overall improvement of mood after receiving massage treatments. Naylor also lists mood elevation as one of the top four benefits of deep tissue massage. He says, “The touch of an experienced massage therapist can enable a client to hear the body’s whispering, before it has to start screaming.”
Pain Relief
People who suffer from chronic pain with issues like fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome and even osteoporosis often find pain relief after deep tissue massage. The exerted pressure in the areas of inflammation increases blood flow, which can alleviate painful symptoms. Naylor has treated one particular patient on a weekly basis for several years who suffers with chronic pain from both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. After her weekly massage, the patient often experiences freedom from pain for days at a time.
