Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. whiplash, falls, sports injury) Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome Postural problems Ostearthritis pain Fibromyalgia Muscle tension or spasm.Īccording to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: Chronic pain Limited mobility Recovery from injuries (e.g. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage. There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. Will Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?Īt certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Visit us here to learn more and book an appointment to discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help change your life for the better.DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It may be more comfortable, but not always suitable for treating intense pain or recovering from injuries.Īt the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we offer a range of treatments and services backed by over 2000 years of tradition. The main advantages of this technique are that it’s less intrusive and covers a wider area of the body. Using similar techniques, this method works on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to relax the muscles, increase endorphins, and improve blood circulation. Rather than focusing on the deep layers of muscle, soft tissue massage focuses on a range of depths, pressures, and durations. This makes deep tissue massage a vital asset in remedial massage therapy, though it may be slightly uncomfortable at times and not always necessary. In remedial massage, the goal is to support the body’s own healing processes to treat problem areas, reduce chronic pain, and help recover from injuries. It works by breaking down adhesions, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation, making it a suitable technique for injury rehabilitation and in treating chronic muscle pains. Using slow and firm strokes, deep tissue massage works on the deeper layers of muscle layers within the body. This provides a greater range of treatment options for practitioners and patients alike, allowing for even more specialized care to help treat an even wider range of issues. Both deep tissue and soft tissue massages have a place within remedial massage, and each has its own drawbacks and advantages. Remedial massage is one method that has provided TCM practitioners with additional areas in which to share their unique skills. These ancient 2000-year-old methods have been shown to provide a range of benefits including reduced stress, improved blood circulation, reduced nausea and migraines, and many others.Ī number of modern massage techniques have also been incorporated into TCM practices in recent years. Through a combination of medicinal herbs and targeted pressure points, TCM works to restore a healthy balance throughout the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, massage is a technique used to open up and clear the body’s natural energy pathways.