Deep tissue massage is an important technique used in a therapeutic massage. It is administered to alleviate muscle strain and emotional stress, and it helps to develop and maintain a healthy posture as it heals overused or overloaded muscles. Deep tissue massage is particularly helpful to patients after hard physical training, excessive sports and prolonged sitting activities. It treats stiff, tight, pulled and contracted muscles in any part of the body as well relieving pain in the back, neck and head.

Tanya Bayda, RMT, SDTT

Deep tissue massage goes to deeper layers of our muscles by using stretching, squeezing and pressuring techniques producing a treatment of cleansing, invigorating and stress-relieving benefits. The patient guides the depth, intensity and frequency of the treatment to maximize the benefits to the body; deep tissue massage encourages blood circulation making it way more efficient, and by providing much needed oxygen to the extremities such as the head and toes.

While deep tissue massage stimulates the circulatory system by increasing the supply of oxygen to the body, the outcome of this massage reduces inflammation in the muscles, tendons and fascia. It also can relieve headaches, back and neck pain, and most importantly, this type of massage relieves stress and is recommended by physicians for stress management programs.  

When to get a deep tissue massage:  

• When muscle and tendons in any part of the body show symptoms of muscle strain such as pulled, tight, or binded-together muscles; and for all types of muscle strain. For more information on this click on muscle strain.
• To relieve tension headaches
• Sluggish, inflexible or painful body movements   

Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage 

• Lengthening of shortened muscles;
• Softening and dissolution of banded muscles;
• Encouraging flexibility to tight and stiff muscles;
• Realigning scar tissue;
• Brings balance and elasticity to the body;
• Cleansing and flushing of toxins.

The massage therapist works deep to stimulate the internal layers of muscles. By using strong squeezing, pressuring and kneading movements the massage therapist encourages the muscles, tendons and connective tissue to release acids, toxins and other body wastes. The cleansing achieved during the deep tissue massage not only becomes the basis for the reinvigoration and healing of the body, but also relieves stress from nerve tissues helping with stress management. 
 
Wellness Tip from Mark Bentz
 
When going for deep tissue massage bear this in mind:
The cleansing and corrective action of deep tissue massage allows the body to flush toxins efficiently. Please remember to drink plenty of water after each session.

Be prepared for some discomfort during a deep tissue massage as the pressuring and stretching techniques used may be a bit more demanding than our usual idea of a massage therapy treatment.

In most cases, you will experience some muscle soreness after the treatment. The soreness goes away in a couple of days, and the body is re-vitalized.

Click Deep Tissue Massage to go to our online calendar.  

Here are some articles on Deep Tissue Massage 

Understanding Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage and Athletes