DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Dr. Smith gets into the deepest fibers of the muscles, releasing painful stress and adhesions. Deep massage can be uncomfortable at times, but overall should be tolerable. It can address certain areas such as the hip flexors that are unreachable by other techniques. This is one of those techniques that can hurt so good.
Deep Tissue Massage Treatments
Background
Deep tissue is a type of massage therapy that focuses on aligning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains in areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
Deep massage uses some of the same strokes as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper. We focus on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles and the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). Specific types of deep tissue therapy such as psoas release massage are especially helpful for hip pain and low back pain.
Our practitioners are intensely strong, but temper that strength with intuition. They are very adept at working the deeper fibers without further damaging them.
Uses of Deep Tissue
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain. It is important to communicate when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range.
When considering deep tissue you should be aware of potential side effects. There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. Your practitioner may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.
Benefits of Care
Deep tissue usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:
- Chronic pain
- Lower back pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Muscle tension in the hamstrings, gluts, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Sciatica
- Piriformis syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
- After a workout or bodybuilding
According to Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.
Deep tissue also received a top ranking for pain associated with fibromyalgia. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.
Deep massage can also be performed with a massage tool. Dr. Smith created the Knuckleball™ for his patients to continue their deep tissue work at home.