What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?

‍
That familiar ache creeps in across the tops of your shoulders and into your back as you sit at your desk and you begin to think: would a massage make me feel better?

Muscle tension and soreness doesn’t just affect athletes as we most often assume.

Many of us lead quite sedentary lifestyles compared to our predecessors, and our bodies aren’t used to being stuck in one position for hours on end.

Therefore, it makes sense that, over time, aches and pains will begin to occur and those basic stretches you’ve always used to relieve them just won’t be enough anymore.

The benefits of deep tissue massage are plenty, not just for providing immediate relief but to improve your posture and mental wellbeing on a long-term basis.

But what is a deep tissue massage and how can it help you?

What is a deep tissue massage?

Generally, when most people think of getting a massage, they picture a spa setting with white, fluffy robes, candles and relaxing music.

While deep tissue massage can be a relaxant, especially in the physical sense, the primary aim is to work into deeper layers of muscle and fascia to breakdown adhesions, or knots as we often call them.

A deep tissue masseuse will begin by gently warming up your muscles before applying increased pressure using techniques such as effleurage and kneading.

There may be some minor discomfort as the muscle knots begin to break down, but you should never experience pain. If this is ever the case, let your masseuse know so they can ease off the pressure.

What are the physical benefits of a deep tissue massage?

It goes without saying that the main benefits you’ll feel from a massage, especially during and immediately after your appointment, will be physical.

They include:

Improved blood flow

The downsides of sitting in one position for long periods of time don’t just include muscle aches and knots, but also reduced blood flow.

As our bodies move we promote blood to flow into more areas, and a deep tissue massage mimics this.

The pressure applied by your massage therapist increases blood circulation throughout your body which, in turn, naturally helps to heal any areas in which you are experiencing pain.

Reduced muscle fatigue

While you may experience some initial soreness immediately after your deep tissue massage, this will soon ease and your muscles will feel more relaxed and less stressed.

This can, in turn, increase your range of motion and improve your workouts in the gym.

Better sleep

Back and shoulder pain can be excruciating, especially when you try to turn over at night which can keep you awake for hours on end.

Releasing that soreness will reduce your pain and provide a serotonin boost, therefore helping you get your 40 winks.

Ease of movement

It makes sense that, if our muscles are less sore and more relaxed, our general day-to-day movement will be greatly improved.

A deep tissue massage can not only help with your workouts but even moving around the house will feel easier once your muscle tension has reduced.

Pain relief

As we’ve alluded to, a benefit of deep tissue massage is working out the knots from your tired muscles which, in turn reduces immediate pain.

It promotes faster healing by increasing your blood flow and therefore reducing inflammation.

‍

Are there any mental benefits of a deep tissue massage?

While the main benefits of a deep tissue massage are physical, there are some mental benefits too, including:

Stress relief

The stress that comes with sore backs, shoulders, legs etc can be huge, especially if it’s affecting your day-to-day life.

Therefore, it makes sense that reducing that pain will in turn reduce your stress levels.

Relaxation

Deep tissue massage can bring about a release of feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and other endorphins, leaving you in a relaxed state afterwards.

Are there are long-term benefits of deep tissue massage?

Improved posture

A build-up of tension, stiffness and pain can result in poor posture.

Relieving this tension often puts your body back into its natural alignment which, long-term, will help reduce further onset of muscle soreness and stiffness.

Lower blood pressure

As we know, deep tissue massage reduces muscle tightness and, a side effect of this is reduced blood flow too.

The blood flow will be less restricted through your newly relaxed muscles so, having a regular deep tissue massage will continue to reduce your blood pressure over time.

What should I do after a deep tissue massage?

Your masseuse should explain what to do after a deep tissue massage, and there are a few steps you can take to help your muscles recover.

You may experience soreness in the areas your masseuse has worked on, and this is completely normal.

Effectively your muscles will have been given a workout and so it makes sense that you may feel some delayed onset muscle soreness in the days after your deep tissue massage.

It’s important to rest and drink lots of fluids to allow your muscles time to recover. A bath with Epsom salts can also help

Once any soreness has subsided, you’ll begin to feel much easier in the areas where you previously felt muscle knots.

Where can I get a deep tissue massage in Exeter?

Maya’s Massage offers deep tissue massage, Thai massage and Swedish massage in the heart of Exeter.

If you’re unsure which type of massage would suit you best, please get in touch and our trained therapists can advise you.

Call 07723 673 218 to enquire and book.

‍