Elena, our experienced Head Spa Therapist, looks at the main benefits of a deep tissue massage and what you can expect from the whole experience.
In this article
– What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
– 10 Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
– What Happens During a Deep Tissue Massage?
– Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
– The After Effects of a Deep Tissue Massage
– What to do After a Deep Tissue Massage
– How Often Should You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a technique that uses slow and deep strokes and a sustained pressure to target the deeper layers of your muscles and the connective tissues around them.
A deep tissue massage is a great choice for anyone who engages in physical activities or those who have an injury or chronic pain.
10 Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
So, what are the benefits of deep tissue massage?
- Relief from pain: There are many chronic pain conditions that can be eased by deep tissue massage. Pain from sports injuries can be reduced too.
- Faster healing: There is some evidence that deep tissue massage may aid faster healing, due to increased blood flow and reduced inflammation.
- Reduced blood pressure: Regular deep tissue massage may help to reduce blood pressure and therefore reduce risk factors for serious disease.
- Increased flexibility: Reduction in tension can help to increase flexibility, by reducing tightness and range of movement. This is one of the long term benefits of deep tissue massage.
- Decrease in scar tissue: Scar tissue can cause problems with movement and pain. However, regular deep tissue massage can help to break up scar tissue and increase flexibility.
- Better sleep: One of the health benefits of deep tissue massage is increased ability to sleep as you’ll feel so relaxed afterwards.
- Helps those with arthritis: If you struggle with arthritis, deep tissue massage may help to reduce the inflammation around the joints and therefore reduce pain.
- Injury prevention: Anyone who regularly competes in a sport or trains may find that regular deep tissue massage can reduce the risk of injury.
- Deep relaxation: Any kind of massage, even deep tissue massage, helps the body to release hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which help you to feel calm and relaxed.
- Improved performance: Deep tissue massage increases range of motion, tissue flexibility and muscle relaxation, which all helps to improve performance across a variety of sports and activities.
Of course, you may not notice the effects overnight, but hopefully there’s no doubt in your mind now that a deep tissue massage is good for you!
What Happens During a Deep Tissue Massage?
When you have a deep tissue massage it’s likely that your treatment will follow a similar structure to this:
- Consultation: Before your deep tissue massage beings, you’ll sit down with your therapist and discuss your aims. What do you want to achieve from the massage? Do you have any particular trouble spots you want them to target?
- Muscle preparation: The first part of the massage is gentle. The therapist isn’t going to go straight in with firm pressure. Instead, they’ll slowly build up the pressure to warm up your muscles.
- Start of the deep tissue massage: Your therapist will increase the pressure and target the deep muscles and connective tissues. If the pressure is a little too firm for you, just let your therapist know.
Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
A deep tissue massage shouldn’t hurt, but at times it may cause you a small amount of discomfort as it isn’t a soft and gentle massage.
However, that’s where communication with your therapist comes in.
It’s vital to let your therapist know if you’re too uncomfortable or if the level of pressure is a bit too much for you. Please don’t suffer in silence!
It may hurt a little more when your therapist focuses on your trouble spots. Scar tissue is being loosened and muscles are being moved around to where they should be.
You can help yourself by focusing on your breathing, but again, remembering to communicate with your therapist. They can ease the pressure and give you a chance to relax for a second before resuming with slightly less pressure.
So, is a deep tissue massage painful? Not painful, no, but perhaps a little uncomfortable at times.
The After Effects of a Deep Tissue Massage
It’s possible that after your deep tissue massage you might feel a little sore in the spots that your therapist worked on the most. It shouldn’t hurt, however.
For most people, the most troublesome after effects of a deep tissue massage are wanting to go to sleep and feeling a little thirsty! These are things which are very easily fixed!
It’s also possible that you may experience a headache after the massage but the best thing to do is simply drink some water and lay down for a while. The effects should soon pass.
Aside from these side effects, the plus point is that you will certainly get a good night’s sleep and you might even notice that you feel a little more upbeat and positive. All thanks to those feel-good hormones being released.
What to do After a Deep Tissue Massage
Knowing what to do after a deep tissue massage can help you to maximise the benefits. Here are a few key pointers to follow:
- Stay hydrated: Make sure you drink plenty of water after your deep tissue massage to help move toxins out of your body and replenish what you may have lost during the massage.
- Avoid heavy meals: Make sure you eat something light and healthy after your massage, but avoid heavy foods.
- Chill out: Take things easy after a deep tissue massage. Avoid sports or anything strenuous for around 24 hours. However, do move around a little, to keep the blood flowing.
- Get some sleep: Try to get a good 7-8 hours of sleep for the following few nights, to really maximise the benefits.
- Warm bath: If your muscles are feeling a little sore, a warm bath may help to soothe away any after effects.
- Use an ice pack: If you notice soreness in an area that you have a known injury, you could try applying an ice pack to ease any discomfort.
- Book a follow-up massage: To really gain the benefits of deep tissue massage, you need regular treatments. Book your next appointment so you don’t forget.
How Often Should You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
In order to really enjoy the benefits of a deep tissue massage, it’s best to schedule a course of treatments as the effects will build up.
We’re often asked how long to wait between deep tissue massages – it’s best to wait at least 48 hours and you should have no more than three deep tissue massages per week.
After learning about your specific situation, our highly experienced therapists will be able to advise the best time for your next deep tissue massage and how many treatments may be needed.
Enjoy Your First Deep Tissue Massage With Us
Deep tissue massage has many benefits and is a great way to boost your long term health and comfort.
Visit our Bluewater Spa in Bournemouth, where we offer a range of treatments including deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, facials, scrubs & wraps and more!
