5 Fast Facts About Deep Tissue Massage
 

Another distinguishing characteristic between deep tissue massages and other forms of therapeutic massages is how it feels when having one done. If you have had an injury, you may have received a deep tissue massage to reduce pain and increase flexibility. During this type of bodywork it is not uncommon for someone receiving the treatment to feel discomfort or even experience involuntary limb movement due to the intensity of the pressure being applied. This feeling is often seen as necessary in order to break through scar tissue that has built up around muscles over time. Deep tissue massages are also given at various times during cancer treatment or after surgery in order to decrease stress on the body caused by these conditions.

 

If you think you might benefit from a deep tissue massage, here are five facts you should know about them before scheduling an appointment...

 

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THAI MASSAGE

Although both involve applying pressure to various points on the body, Thai massage and deep tissue massage are two different things. While deep tissue massage works on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues, Thai massage focuses on stretching and compressing muscles. Another difference is that deep tissue massages work with more than just one layer of muscles at a time while traditional Thai massages work with only one layer at any given time. The exception to this rule is when an individual is receiving a double leg stretch as this requires working with three layers of muscles at once.

 

TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF ATTAINING A DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE - TRY GETTING ONE IN AN URBAN AREA

This type of bodywork is more common in urban areas than it is in rural communities. It may be difficult to find a practitioner who offers deep tissue massages in non-urban regions, however, if you are ever visiting an area that has one try scheduling an appointment. Whether your session takes place at the spa or at another location, make sure to let your therapist know what type of pressure you prefer during your session. You can always ask for light pressure or even ask for them to ease up if you feel that the pressure they are applying is too intense before your entire body feels uncomfortable.

 

YOU CAN GET A DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE ON YOUR LOWER BACK

Many people who experience lower back pain turn to deep tissue massage in order to reduce it. Regardless of the type of bodywork you receive, if you are experiencing back pain then your therapist might apply pressure to that area. This is because your entire body feels tension when one specific spot experiences discomfort. Because muscles work together as a unit, an issue with one muscle could be causing strain on the other parts of the same muscle group even though they may not be feeling any discomfort at all. If your therapist notices that an area is particularly tense or knotted, he or she will most likely focus on massaging this area thoroughly during your session.

 

YOU CAN HAVE A DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE WITHOUT BEING NAKED

Although you will most likely have to take off some or all of your clothing when having a deep tissue massage, not every therapist requires you to be completely naked. In fact, professionals who perform this type of bodywork may cover part of the patient's body with a sheet or blanket in order to protect their modesty if needed. If you are going in for a work-related injury, ask beforehand whether a fully clothed session is a possibility. This is especially important if you are receiving the treatment from someone other than your usual doctor because it could be considered inappropriate otherwise.

 

YOU MIGHT FEEL A LITTLE SORE THE NEXT DAY AFTER YOUR SESSION

Any time that muscles are stressed they tend to feel sore and tight afterwards and this is no different when having a deep tissue massage. If you end up feeling sore after your session, this is actually a good sign as it means that the pressure applied during the appointment has had an impact on your muscles. When working with high levels of pressure you may feel like you do not want to move certain parts of your body but if you can make yourself stretch regularly then it will help reduce any potential stiffness or pain the next day.