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22 April 2024
Deep Tissue Massage at Muscle Medicine is different to what you may know. Find out how.
Deep tissue massage is more than just a relaxation tool; it’s a key component in promoting long-term muscle health, addressing chronic pain, and improving mobility. With its origins rooted in principles that aim to tackle the underlying issues of muscle tension and discomfort, deep tissue massage has evolved into a preferred choice for individuals looking for sustainable, functional changes to their physical wellbeing.
Muscle Medicine, with its unique approach that combines education, targeted treatment, and comprehensive assessment, stands at the forefront of offering deep tissue massage that transcends conventional methodologies. This detailed guide dives deep into the most commonly asked questions about deep tissue massage, offering insights into how it can be a transformative part of your health and wellness routine.
At its core, deep tissue massage is a form of massage therapy that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues. It is designed to alleviate tension and address knots or adhesions that can contribute to pain and restriction in movement. By applying firm pressure and slow strokes, a deep tissue massage works to break up these tense areas, promoting healing and relaxation of the muscles.
This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic pain, repetitive strain, and those recovering from certain types of injuries. Unlike other massage techniques that prioritise relaxation, deep tissue massage aims to treat specific physical conditions and muscle dysfunctions, making it a therapeutic choice for many.
Deep tissue massage, when combined with myofascial techniques target the inner layers of your muscles, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, and joints). Through the application of deep pressure and effective stroke techniques, this therapy works by physically breaking down adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The process helps to restore normal movement, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. By improving blood flow and reducing muscle stiffness, deep tissue massage can promote faster healing by increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the treated areas, while simultaneously flushing out toxins and waste products
from muscle tissues.
Muscle Medicine isn’t just about providing a simple deep tissue massage; it’s about engaging a range of techniques and delivering a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with our foundational beliefs. Our practice is built on the pillars of assessment of underlying dysfunctions – not just treating superficial pain, creating functional change and providing education and empowerment to clients.
We recognise the human body as an interconnected system, where no part operates in isolation.
Every deep tissue massage session at Muscle Medicine begins with a functional assessment. If you want to learn more about your initial appointment, you can find out more information on our website.
We look at your planes of movement, lifestyle needs, and any specific discomforts or injuries you might have. This holistic view allows us to tailor our massage techniques to address your unique needs, ensuring that the initial treatment is both effective and personalised.
We employ a variety of soft tissue therapy techniques, targeting not just the muscles but also the myofascial and other connective tissues. This comprehensive focus helps in addressing a wide range of issues, from muscle tension and knots to broader musculoskeletal imbalances.
Our approach goes beyond the surface. For clients with chronic conditions, injuries or ongoing conditions, we aim for structural integration, focusing on creating supported changes within your body to foster new, healthier movement patterns.
This principle is crucial in ensuring that the benefits of our deep tissue massage extend beyond our treatment rooms and into your daily life, improving your posture and movement efficiency.
Following your assessment, we craft a custom treatment plan that outlines our approach to moving you out of pain and discomfort. This plan is not static; it evolves as you progress, always aiming to guide you towards better mobility and health.
Deep tissue massage offers numerous benefits, backed by both scientific research and clinical observations. Some of the most notable benefits include:
● Pain Relief: By focusing on deep layers of muscle tissue, deep tissue massage can significantly reduce chronic pain conditions and muscle tension.
● Improved Mobility: Through the manipulation of soft tissues, this massage technique can enhance flexibility and range of motion, addressing stiffness and mobility issues from your first appointment. Working with us on a treatment plan can provide an ongoing range of motion gains and flexibility improvements.
● Stress Reduction: Deep tissue massage has been shown to lower stress levels, combining this with the deep, slow techniques we engage can switch on the parasympathetic nervous system and increase the production of hormones that promote relaxation and well-being.
● Posture Improvement: By relieving muscle tension and realigning the body, deep tissue massage can contribute to better posture, reducing the strain on the musculoskeletal system. Our therapists will also provide you with information & corrective exercises to empower you to make continual changes to your posture in your daily life.
As we delve deeper into the nuances of deep tissue massage, it’s clear that its benefits extend far beyond simple relaxation. Stay tuned as we explore more about what to expect during a session, how it complements the Muscle Medicine Method, and its impact on overall health and wellness in the continuation of this guide.
To maximise the benefits of a deep tissue massage, preparation is key. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your session:
● Stay Hydrated: Drinking water before and after your massage helps to hydrate the body and can aid in the elimination of cellular waste released from the muscles during the massage.
● Communicate: Be open with your therapist about your pain tolerance, any specific areas of concern, and your overall goals for the session. This communication is crucial for a personalised and effective treatment.
● Give in: Allow your therapist to lead the session with their knowledge and skill. Tell them what results you want, and let them deliver these for you.
● Relax: While this may seem obvious, coming into your session in a relaxed state can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the massage. Try to arrive a few minutes early to settle in and start the relaxation process.
During Your Session: What to Expect
Deep tissue massage is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Here’s what typically happens during a session:
● Assessment: Your therapist will begin with a brief assessment to understand your current health, any specific areas of pain or tension, and your overall treatment goals.
● Technique: Using their hands, forearms, and other tools, as required, your therapist will apply slow, deliberate strokes and pressure to target deep layers of muscle and fascia.
● Feedback: Throughout the session, your therapist may ask for feedback on the pressure and technique to ensure the massage is effective yet comfortable. It’s normal to feel some discomfort during a deep tissue
massage, but it should never be unbearable.
Following your deep tissue massage, you may experience some soreness or tenderness for a few days. This is a normal part of the healing process as your body adjusts to the changes and begins to heal the deeper layers of muscle tissue that were targeted during your session.
● Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water to help flush out any cellular waste that was released from the muscles during the massage.
● Heat Therapy: A warm bath with magnesium after a massage helps to continue the pain relief and soothe any discomfort as your body heals
● Rest: Allow your body time to recover and heal, don’t head straight into a hard work out session straight after a treatment.
Deep tissue massage is most beneficial when it is part of an ongoing wellness and maintenance plan. Regular sessions can help to prevent muscle tension from building up and can contribute to better posture, reduced stress, and overall improved health and wellbeing.
At Muscle Medicine, we believe in the power of a comprehensive approach to health. Our maintenance plans are designed to support your journey towards better movement and pain-free living. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply looking to improve your overall physical health, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We call this LIFE CARE. No matter your
level of activity in your life, we have a plan that will benefit you.
Deep tissue massage is a powerful tool in the pursuit of health and wellness. By addressing the deeper layers of muscle tissue, it can provide relief from pain, improve mobility, and contribute to a better quality of life. At Muscle Medicine, our unique approach combines the benefits of deep tissue massage with myofascial techniques to provide a holistic view of health and wellness, ensuring that each session is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Ready to experience the transformative effects of deep tissue massage? Contact Muscle Medicine today to schedule your appointment. Our team of skilled therapists is dedicated to guiding you on your path to better health and wellbeing. Let us help you live your best life, free from pain and full of movement.
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