Get deep! How massage relieves pain!

Getting a massage is not only a form of stress relief but pain relief as well. Massage techniques have been around for centuries and the modern world has finally caught up, hence the growing popularity with massage therapy. Deep tissue massage is a form of therapy that targets pain. If  you suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis or  tendonitis, or are in chronic pain and have a soft tissue injury, you can benefit from pain relief, increased mobility, and healing.

Deep tissue massage techniques focus on slower but more forceful strokes which target layers of muscles and connective tissue. A deep tissue massage is not usually painful but it can feel tender. It can also be relaxing and help improve the flexibility and health of muscles, tissues, and joints. The goal of this kind of massage is not only pain relief but to help the body unwind too. It is not uncommon for massage therapists to use their elbows during a session or to use their own body weight as leverage.

Benefits of tissue massage

Massage is considered a complementary medicine nowadays. Many doctors recommend that patients use massage therapy alongside taking their regular medication and going to check-ups. Massage can also help with a variety of problems :

• Anxiety

• Headaches

• Insomnia due to stress

• Sports injuries

• Digestive disorders

• Temporomandibular joint pain

• Paresthesias and nerve pain

• Myofascial pain syndrome

Many people find pain relief because the pressure focused on groups of muscles increases blood flow to the problem area, decreasing muscle tension. Those who suffer from arthritis, for example, find their joints less stiff and enjoy a greater range of motion after a session of deep muscle massage. Deep tissue massage also elongates the muscle fibers to loosen tension. Athletes benefit from massages to relieve and heal overused muscles.

What to expect

During a massage session, you will either be undressed under coverings or wear wear loose fitting clothes. A good massage therapist will perform an evaluation to locate tense and painful areas.

With deep tissue massage you should begin to feel better and calmer as the massage progresses. If the pressure is too hard you can ask for it to be reduced and although there will be times where you can really feel a knot being pummelled, you are always in control of what is comfortable.

Post-massage care

After massage care is also very important. Believe it or not, a deep tissue massage is a passive form of exercise. Therefore you need to take care of yourself just as if you had exercised.

Drink lots of water

Over the 24 hours following your massage you need to keep hydrated. Deep tissue massage promotes lymphatic movement and drinking water helps flush toxins out of the body. This is especially beneficial to the kidneys because the water will help the body expel toxins faster. It is a good idea to abstain from drinking coffee, tea or even juices as these can hinder the flushing of toxins.

Take a detox bath

Epsom salts can help reduce soreness in muscles. A handful in warm bathwater will help relax you while soothing muscles and drawing out toxins. Even a regular bath can be a tonic.

Be body aware

Pay attention to your body and physical state during the next couple of days. There will be some soreness so take note as you might want to tell your therapist to take it easy next time.

Get some sleep

Feeling tired after a massage is normal – remember your body has been given a passive exercise session – so if you feel sleepy take a nap. The point of a massage is to relax the body and mind. So take a load off and continue with this restful state.

If you are in need of a deep tissue massage then contact us today to learn more about our treatments.