Deep Tissue Massage Benefits

Benefits, risks and what to expect 

In this blog post I’m going to help educate readers about deep tissue massage benefits. There’s a lot of confusion with the general public what an actual deep tissue massage session is. And if the session is so post to cause pain. 

Why is this popular service so misunderstood? It’s the name that confuses clients. And some massage therapists may even call their deep tissue massage, therapeutic massage on the list of services. Clients see the words deep tissue and it does give the impression on the type pressure during the massage. But that actually is not the true definition of a deep tissue massage. 

Detailed focused work. This is the tone of how a session is so post go. When I have a new client, a large part of the health history overview, is why are you interested in a deep tissue massage? I make sure I spend lots of time going over everyone's aches and pains. One of the biggest questions I always ask. Are you looking for a general full body massage or detailed focused work? If you answer detailed focused work. Then I’m going to ask more questions on which area(s) you’d like for me to work on based on the time that was booked.

What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage (DTM) means the session focuses on getting through multiple layers of soft tissue. The pressure doesn’t actually need to be deep. Swedish massage, the most popular service. Is a general full body massage. Pressure can vary based on clients preference. Full body means whole back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs front and back. Face is usually added on by request. Another popular service that can get confused with deep tissue massage is sports massage. Sport massages are done at sporting events. There’s lots of compression and gentle joint movements. This is to help athletes warm up. And get ready to perform at their event.  

What does an actual deep tissue massage feel like? The strokes are slow. Lots of going over the same area multiple times. The pressure stays the same till I get down to another layer. Then the pressure can slowly increase. But there are cases that my pressure needs to stay the same. Some clients have too much inflammation. And extra care needs to happen. The pressure in those cases is lighter with less repetition over a small area. I make the space I work in wider. If the client can tolerate deep work. Then the space I work in is smaller, the strokes get slower. With more repetition over a single area. I also tend to spend about 45 minutes on the area of concern. 

Key benefits of deep tissue massage

What are the deep tissue massage benefits? Most clients are looking for a deep tissue massage for pain relief. Common complaints I see clients for are: 

• Neck 
• Shoulder
• Low back
• Sciatica and nerve related tension

Deep tissue helps with pain relief because it brings lots of blood flow to the area(s) of concern. And the more you increase circulation to the soft tissue. The faster it heals and stays pain free longer. With all that extra blood flow there is also an improvement in mobility and range of motion. The adhesions get relaxed allowing clients to move easier. There can also be an improvement in posture long term. 

Postural strain is one of the main reasons clients see me for a deep tissue massage. When our bodies are constantly not in proper alignment, soft tissue becomes under too much negative tension over time. Why does this matter? This means you have muscles doing a job they are not designed to do. Common example. Pain in the neck on one side. This happens most of the time because that shoulder on that same side is rounded too far forward. And when that happens the pocket of muscles that hold your shoulder blade in place does not function correctly. So what happens is the neck muscles end up doing the job of keeping the shoulder functioning in addition to keeping your head moving. This leads to repetitive use injuries.       

Risks and potential side effects of deep tissue massage

Here are some of the potential side effects from a deep tissue massage. Temporary soreness is the most common. This can happen because a smaller area of the body is being worked on versus a Swedish massage that's a general full body massage. Most clients feel super sleepy post session. The reason this happens is the nervous system has gotten a big reboot. Perfectly normal. The body is just healing. Mild bruising can also happen. Some people bruise easier. If that’s a concern of yours. Make sure you mention this during the health history intake. That way adjustments can be made to help reduce post massage bruising. 

Who should be cautious about getting a deep tissue massage? Everything I mention should come from the advice of your doctor.

• Blood clotting history
• Recently surgery 
• Acute injury

While these medical conditions don’t mean you can’t get deep tissue massage benefits. Some medications you may be taking can affect your circulation and your ability to feel pain. When in doubt send a quick note to your doctor's office.  

Results from a session can be felt after the first massage. However one massage isn’t usually enough to help with pain relief. I suggest to clients about 4 massage sessions before you really start feeling long term deep tissue massage benefits. It’s a good idea to prebook sessions once every 3-4 weeks. It’s easy enough for clients to figure out how to fit into their schedule. Make sure you pay attention to how you are feeling post massage. That way adjustments can be made as needed so you can get the most benefits. Check out this blog I wrote about How Often You Should Get a Massage

Aftercare

Things to do after your massage

• Walking
• Easy yoga
• Ice, if you feel sore
• Heat, if you feel tight

All these suggestions help to keep that extra circulation moving

FAQ

If you're considering deep tissue massage in the West Boylston, Massachusetts area, I’m happy to help decide if it’s the right fit. Feel free to call the office for a quick phone consultation.