If you have never had a deep tissue massage, you may be wondering what you should expect. This massage is intense and requires a lot of pressure to work the muscles deeply. If you are planning to get a deep tissue massage for the first time, you should avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking large quantities of liquids beforehand. The pressure applied during a deep tissue massage can be very painful on a full stomach or a body that is still digesting a large meal. In addition, you should arrive at the appointment relaxed and ready for the massage.
If you have any underlying medical conditions that make massage uncomfortable, deep tissue massage may not be for you. For example, clients with blood clots, osteoporosis, or recent surgery should not get deep tissue massages. Additionally, clients with tumors, rashes, or wounds should avoid deep tissue massages.
In addition to physical benefits, deep tissue massages can improve muscle function and reduce pain. They also improve circulation and break up scar tissue. Tense muscles block blood flow, which leads to inflammation and toxins. Deep tissue massage relieves these problems by loosening muscle tissue, which increases blood circulation and reduces pain.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2008 found that deep tissue massage was effective in alleviating chronic lower back pain. Patients with chronic lower back pain reported significantly better pain relief with deep tissue massage than with other types of massage. Further, those with high blood pressure experienced greater improvements after deep tissue massage.
A deep tissue massage should be a 75-90-minute experience. A regular 75-90-minute session helps muscles remain loose and pain-free. Getting a deep tissue massage can also improve your body’s metabolism and prevent injury. This type of massage is an excellent preventative measure when injuries are occurring or when you are in a high-impact activity.
When getting a deep tissue massage, it is important to discuss the level of pain you are comfortable with. You may experience some tenderness and stiffness after the massage, but this will go away in a day or two. A massage therapist may also recommend that you apply ice to the affected area to reduce the chances of discomfort.
A deep tissue massage can be performed on the entire body, or on a specific area. The massage therapist will begin by warming up the muscles and using deep kneading and stroking. Deep tissue massage uses various forms of intense pressure to target specific muscles and joints. A deep tissue massage is beneficial for many conditions, but not everyone needs this level of pressure.
A deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals with chronic pain, such as a strained muscle. It can also be helpful for people recovering from an injury. The intense pressure involved in deep tissue massage can cause some discomfort, but a massage therapist who is trained and experienced will know how to adjust the pressure if necessary.