Deep tissue massage is more suitable for people who perform very physical activities, such as running, or for those who have an injury or chronic pain. If you have a low pain threshold or are looking to relieve tense muscles, Swedish massage is gentler and may be a better option. In short, a deep tissue massage is more specific than a full body massage and is best administered by a massage therapist. Regular massage is beneficial no matter what part of the body you're targeting, but it's especially useful for those suffering from chronic pain or injury. Therapeutic massage is a general term that describes any type of massage modality that helps relieve pain, reduce stress and treat a specific problem, such as a frozen shoulder.
People tend to assume that therapeutic massage means deep tissue massage and that they will receive a very strong massage. But this is not always the case. Deep tissue massage is great for breaking down scar tissue and getting blood flowing, but it may not be what you need on a particular day. A good therapist will apply specific techniques and the right amount of pressure to address your need, and sometimes that's a lighter touch. Experts recommend deep tissue massage for clients who have a certain tolerance for pain and discomfort.
Montia says the best way to know if it's right for you is to try a few sessions. Effective deep tissue treatment doesn't have to be unbearably painful. You can request less pressure or intensity, and you can request that work only be done in certain areas. While both are designed to treat a person's muscles and connective tissue, a full-body massage will generally affect the large muscles and tendons in the area being massaged.
Montia begins deep tissue sessions gently, covering a wide area and then focusing on specific muscles or regions. A deep tissue massage is ideal for those with sports injuries, but also for those with high blood pressure, sciatica, fibromyalgia and tennis elbow. While a relaxation massage uses lighter pressure to create rest, deep tissue massage uses much firmer pressure and isn't necessarily relaxing. So what's the difference between a deep tissue massage and a full body massage? Both terms refer to massages that target a person's muscles and connective tissue or fascia.
This deeper pressure relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, helps break up scar tissue, and helps alleviate the side effects of chronic stress. A deep tissue massage, on the other hand, generally works on the darker muscles and connective tissue of a specific area. For those who struggle with significant aches and pains, a deep tissue massage is often the best option. This is because a full body massage is designed to provide relief, while a deep tissue massage is designed to provide specific relief.
This is because it works on the “neurological connection” between muscles, which is why regular massage is so effective in relieving pain. Find out what to expect during a deep tissue massage, plus the benefits and how it compares to Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage, as well as other therapeutic massage methods, can greatly alleviate chronic pain. When deep pressure is constantly applied, with slow, deep movements, the muscles relax and the scar tissue that may have formed around them breaks down.
The primary objective of a deep tissue massage is to exercise areas of pain and tension, as well as to release knots and adhesions in the underlying muscle and fascia...