We have all felt aching, tightness, and stiffness. Deep tissue massage could be just what you need, whether your situation is one of an athlete with painful muscles, recovering from an injury, or someone who spends lots of hours at a desk. Well-known for helping with recuperation and alleviating persistent muscle tension, this kind of massage has grown to be a regular choice for many looking for relaxation and relief.
But exactly, what does a deep tissue massage do? How is it unique among massages? And why would you find yourself sore or possibly see bruising later? Everything you need to know—including deep tissue massage meaning, its advantages, possible sensations, and advice on maximizing your session—is broken out in this book.
What Is a Deep Tissue Massage?
That being said, when we say “what’s deep tissue massage,” it’s important to know exactly what makes the massage your ordinary street spa treatment so very different from what we know as deep tissue. While Swedish massage (relaxing massage) and other types of massage use lighter pressure, deep tissue massage penetrates the deeper muscles and fascia.
In a session, a therapist uses slow, firm, and deliberate movements and deep finger or elbow pressure to break up muscle adhesions (often known as “knots”). It’s notably good for treating long-term problems resulting from bad posture, injuries, or repetitive movement.
For example, let’s say you work at a desk all day. Then you end up with tight, stiff muscles over time, and stretching for general mobility might not be sufficient. A deep tissue massage addresses these muscles to restore normal function and help with flexibility and pain.
Does Deep Tissue Massage Painful?
Many people worry about whether deep tissue massage meaning and hurts. Though it can feel strong, the pressure shouldn’t cause sharp or intolerable pain. Tell your therapist if it seems too much, please. Relief is the aim, not discomfort.
What Does a Deep Tissue Massage Do?
If you’re asking yourself, “What does a deep tissue massage do?” It is? It is what the physical and therapeutic advantages of yoga are?
Physical Benefits
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Relieves Muscle Pain
Muscle adhesions lead to stiffness and pain. Deep tissue massage helps to break them down, reduce pain, and increase range of motion. Relief is even felt by those recovering from injuries such as pulled muscles or sprains.
If you’re asking yourself, “So what is deep tissue massage, exactly, and what does it do?” – The explanation is in its many physical and medical values.
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Improves Blood Circulation
Higher blood flow is another major consequence of a massage like this. Better circulation clears your tissues of waste products of muscle metabolism that contribute to soreness and inflammation.
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Eases Chronic Tension
But it also targets residual tension in the muscles of people whose work has them repeatedly moving (think athletes or assembly-line workers).
Therapeutic Benefits
Deep tissue massage also has many mental benefits apart from the physical ones. It helps to relax the body (by reducing cortisol, your stress hormone, and increasing serotonin, your feel-good hormone) and calm the mind.
Whether you’re fighting anxiety, nursing a difficult workout, or suffering from chronic pain, this massage can help.
Find out how one of our licensed massage therapists at Nicali’s Deep Tissue Massage Service combines some of the most advanced methods to focus on the problematic areas so as to achieve the desired results.
What to Expect During and After a Deep Tissue Massage
Are you a total beginner to deep tissue massage? What does a deep tissue massage do? The more you know what to expect, the better.
During the Session
Upon assessment, your therapist will ask general questions to establish areas of muscle tension or discomfort and how much pressure you prefer. They may also use slow strokes, friction, and kneading to address deep muscle layers.
It is typical to feel some discomfort as the knots are being worked out, but severe pain should never be the bottom line.
After the Session
Some people pain after deep tissue massage and then feel the benefits thereafter. This is perfectly normal and is a sign that tension and adhesions are being addressed. You can think of it as muscle recovery after a workout.
Hydration is always important following a session. Drinking water will help eliminate toxins that are released by the massage from your muscles.
Pro Tip: Check out our Deep Tissue Massage Aftercare Guide to get the most out of your post-massage benefits.
Deep Tissue Massage and Bruising
Perhaps you’ve heard tales about deep tissue massage bruising, and you’re curious if it’s something that happens often. Bruising is possible if your muscles are especially tight or tense. Your blood capillaries next to the skin could burst when the deep knots are loosened with hard pressure, resulting in bruises.
And while that sounds gnarly, bruising deep tissue massage helps your muscles heal and release stored tension. Some pain relief may be gained by using a cold compress or a warm Epsom salt bath.
Tips to Reduce Bruising and Soreness
- Be sure to hydrate both before and after the session.
- Don’t engage in vigorous physical activities right after.
- Let your therapist know if you have any bruising; he can gauge pressure accordingly.”
Need guidance? The licensed massage therapists at Nicali are trained in reducing pain and maximizing results.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
Who Should Opt for It?
- Individuals with chronic pain (i.e., back, neck, or shoulder pain).
- Athletes rehabilitating from an injury.
- Office workers, with whatever the desk-riddled equivalent of soldiers returning from battle posture is.
- Those with tension and knots caused by stress.
Who Should Avoid It?
If you have certain conditions, including blood clots, osteoporosis, or a skin infection, deep tissue massage can aggravate them. So should pregnant women and people with open wounds, who should consult their doctor before booking a session?
How to Maximize the Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage
For the best outcomes of what does a deep tissue massage do, here are some helpful hints:
- Drink, drink, and drink some more before and after to help flush the toxins out.
- Continue to stretch and be active after each massage to keep flexible.
- Regular massages also help keep muscles healthy in the long term.
- Talk to your therapist about what, specifically, feels good and doesn’t feel good.
A competent masseuse knows how much pressure to exert in the most beneficial way for you, without causing undue pain or awkwardness. That’s why, most importantly, your therapist should be licensed and experienced.
For instant booking with a certified professional, please visit our Deep Tissue Massage Service Page!
Find Your Relief
If you’ve been thinking to yourself, “What does a deep tissue massage do?” you now know it provides the body and mind with extreme benefits. Whether it is to relieve pain or induce healing or even just to help you lift broomsticks with your legs and feel less stressed out, this massage is amazing!
Sore, tense, or just curious? Reserve sessions with a dedicated muscle whisperer at Nicali now and experience deep relaxation and deep tissue relief. Get Started Today! Don’t wait for the pain to worsen.
Schedule a consultation with Nicali Sports Medicine & Associates today and cure what is stenosis. Call us or book online—we’re ready to help you move freely again. The results are only one appointment away!
FAQs about Deep Tissue Massage
Is deep tissue massage supposed to hurt?
It’s understandable that some pressure may occur or a little discomfort. However, having one that causes sharp or unbearable pain isn’t. If the pressure ever gets to be too much, tell your therapist.
Does deep tissue massage always result in bruising?
No, not everyone gets bruised with a deep tissue massage. It is also dependent on the state of the individual’s muscles and the pressure applied.
How often should I get a deep tissue massage?
Once every month is good for regular maintenance. For injury recovery, your therapist might recommend once a week at the start
What’s the difference between deep tissue and sports massage?
Certainly, both feel similar, with deep, heavy pressure. Sports massage aims to prevent and rehabilitate sports injuries, while deep tissue massage works to relieve chronic tension and “stuck” areas.
