One type of massage therapy called deep tissue massage (DTM) is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as low back pain, high blood pressure, and limited range of motion. This type of massage therapy includes a wide range of techniques that can be applied to target particular problem areas and enhance general well-being.
A stronger type of massage called deep tissue massage is applied to particular areas of tense muscles.
In areas of the body where traditional massage techniques are less effective, deep tissue massage is a potent tool for releasing tension in the muscles. Deep tissue massage targets and applies pressure to deeper layers of muscle, releasing chronic knots and tightness throughout the body, in contrast to regular massage, which concentrates on the muscle’s surface layers.
It is a great option for people with severe pain or overuse injuries, and it can even help with flexibility and posture. Deep tissue massage should never be extremely painful, even though the intense pressure used can make it uncomfortable at times.
Tell your therapist if you are uncomfortable at all during your session so they can make the necessary adjustments.
Techniques Used in Deep Tissue Massage:
- Slow motions with the intention of stretching the fibres in the muscle
- Keeping the treatment depth constant to target deep tissues
- Using their hands, knuckles, or elbows, certified massage therapists apply force using their body weight to alleviate muscle fatigue caused by gravity
- Muscle activation or stretching to create a link between the brain, which controls movement, and the muscle
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage:
- Persistent musculoskeletal pain
- Rehabilitating injuries and recuperating from sports
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of a repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Osteoarthritis
- Postural difficulties
- Tennis elbow
- Sciatica
- Lower back pain
- Breaking up scar tissue
Compared to Swedish massage, how is it different?
Two distinct forms of massage therapy are Swedish and deep tissue massage. While they both employ some of the same strokes, their applications are very different, and they differ substantially in terms of pressure applied.
The following are the main distinctions between Swedish and deep tissue massages:
- Intention: A Swedish massage aims to ease tension and promote relaxation, whereas a deep tissue massage is more intense and targets specific muscle pain.
- Treatment Objectives: The primary objective of Swedish massage is relaxation, whereas deep tissue massage typically aims to relieve pain.
- Stroke Style: Longer, more flowing strokes are the hallmark of Swedish massage, whereas broad, more focused strokes are used in deep tissue massage.
- Areas of Focus: The relaxing Swedish massage is usually a full body experience, while deep tissue is focused on problem areas.
- Pressure: The most widely used term to characterise the distinction between deep tissue and Swedish massage is pressure. Firm pressure is used in deep tissue massage, whereas light to medium pressure is used in Swedish massages.
- Intended Outcome: What emotions should you experience after leaving a Swedish massage? As though your worries and tension have vanished out of thin air. And a massage using deep tissue? As if your wounds and trouble spots had vanished by magic.
