Deep Tissue Massage

Similar to sports massage, a deep tissue massage is widely used to treat chronic aches and pains. The aim of a deep tissue massage is to work out area's of pain and tension, as well as to relieve muscle adhesions and knots in the underlying muscle and fascia. Other benefits of a deep tissue massage include; increased range of movement, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and reduces arthritic symptoms. A deep tissue massage is not necessarily relaxing, when going over area's that are causing trouble it can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, however most clients describe this pain as a "good pain".

How Does It Work?

A deep tissue massage uses deep pressure and slow strokes to release the tightness and tension held deep in your muscles and connective tissue. Following an injury, the muscle is replaced by scar tissue (a thick fibrous tissue replacing healthy tissue) which can cause muscle weakness, decreased range of movement and pain which can also be referred. The purpose of a deep tissue massage for injuries is to break down the scar tissue by realigning the muscle fibres to return to their original state. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you may experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), this is the body's physical response to the inflammation as your body heals, which can usually last up to three days. Your body will create muscle memory if you have regular massage sessions, therefore the more frequent you are with sessions, the less likely you are to experience DOMS as your muscles will get used to being manipulated in certain ways.