When getting a deep tissue massage, your therapist will use firm, slow, pressured strokes to focus on and reach the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue in your body. Deep tissue massage is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas. When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is these adhesions that can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This treatment may be more focused on particular areas on your body rather than an overall massage.
Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
This type of massage therapy is often used to help treat sports injuries as well as treat people who are recovering from accidents. In addition, people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain use this type of massage for relief. Deep tissue therapy can also increase your range of mobility.