Anyone with osteoporosis or cancer that has spread to the bones should avoid deep tissue massage, as the firm pressure applied can cause a fracture. You should also postpone deep tissue massages if you're pregnant. Milder types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option. Deep tissue massage can help alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress and improve posture.
It is also used to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. By increasing blood and oxygen flow to the affected area, deep tissue massage helps reduce tension and pain. It also helps break up adhesions and knots, which can cause discomfort and limit range of motion. Deep tissue massage has been the most recommended massage technique for the treatment of physical injuries and chronic pain.
People have reported benefits of deep tissue massage for conditions such as sciatica, sports injuries, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, and plantar fasciitis; however, there hasn't been a great deal of funding for high-quality studies to scientifically validate the effects of these treatments. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist may apply firm pressure to the affected area to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Swedish massage usually targets the surface layers of muscles and connective tissues using light or medium pressure techniques, such as prolonged movements, kneading, rubbing and tapping to promote relaxation and improve circulation. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
It uses slow, deep movements and pressure to break adhesions and improve blood and lymph fluid circulation, reducing chronic pain and increasing flexibility and range of motion. Deep tissue massage refers to massage techniques that use the deeper muscle fibers of the body and not just the surface layers. Deep tissue massage can be beneficial for people with scar tissue, as it can help reduce pain, improve mobility and reduce inflammation. Based on your medical history and overall wellness goals, it is recommended to consult a licensed massage therapist to determine the appropriate frequency of deep tissue massages for your individual needs and goals. During a relaxation massage, you are likely to relax a lot and even fall asleep, but during a deep tissue massage you are unlikely to fall into this state due to the intensity of the treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about when to avoid deep tissue massage, if it's safe during pregnancy, and if there are risks you should be aware of. The goal of deep tissue massage is to release tension in the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, which can help reduce pain, improve mobility and improve sports performance. It's important that you always learn everything you can about your client's medical history and general health in order to effectively assess risks and identify any exclusions that prevent you from performing a deep tissue massage. Fortunately, deep tissue massage can help break up scar tissue, improving mobility and reducing pain.
While there are many reasons why a pregnant client may want to receive a deep tissue massage during pregnancy, such as stress, emotions, and physical changes, this should always be avoided unless you have the appropriate training and experience to do so.