What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massages are used to break up scar tissue and break down muscle adhesions (the “knots” that we feel in our muscles are muscle adhesions, which are bands of rigid and painful muscle tissue). These knots can inhibit our circulation and cause pain and inflammation.
What happens when you get a deep tissue massage?
There is no standard choreography to a deep tissue massage and all therapists have different styles that should be tailored to the client’s individual needs, says Chris Minehan, LMT, founding owner of Reclaimed Being Therapeutic Massage.
Minehan usually starts with the back because it’s the top region of complaint. He then moves to the legs, shoulders, arms, and finishes with the neck and head — which he says is most relaxing due to the many nerve endings in the scalp.
Deep tissue massage benefits
Deep tissue massage helps the body by releasing restricted or injured tissues, says Montia. By applying appropriate pressure, deep tissue massage “expedites recovery to provide pain relief,” she says.
According to research, the benefits of deep tissue massage include:
- Increased range of motion
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduced pain perception
- Relief of inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis
- Relief of chronic and low back pain
- Reduced pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis
We are located at Bethany, Portland