If you’ve ever had a Deep Tissue Massage, you may have experienced soreness
during or after your session. There’s a reason for that I believe I can help you under-
stand.
In a study titled “Effects of deep tissue massage on pain and comfort after a cesarean”, Esra Güney and Tuba Uçar define this type of massage like this: “Deep tissue massage (DTM) is a type of therapeutic massage technique focused on the deep tissues in different layers of the body, especially the muscle, fascia, and connective tissue. This technique is especially focused on tense areas (including the neck, waist or shoulder) with pain problems.”
Kind of ironic, isn’t it? A technique designed to decrease pain can also increase pain – temporarily. So, what is going on here, exactly?
The fascia system, as described by Kobi Weiss and Leonid Kalichman in their article, “Deep fascia as a potential source of pain: A narrative review”, “…consists of the three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen-containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body…The fascial system surrounds, interweaves between, and interpenetrates all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibers, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner.”
During a Deep Tissue Massage, a therapist may use different “tools”, which are sometimes parts of the therapist’s own body (such as the elbows, knuckles, and thumbs), but also handheld tools, to reach below the skin to a specific source of pain you may have been ignoring while you have been playing a sport, working out, or performing a repetitive motion.
Firm motion, involving compression, range of motion, and manipulation of the deep fascia, are all part of Deep Tissue. The primary goal is not relaxation (although many clients may feel more relaxed after Deep Tissue therapy), but, rather, releasing of any tension that may be present.
At Nature’s Whisper Healing Arts, you can even request a kind of hybrid touch therapy that incorporates the relaxation focus of our Swedish massage with the Deep Tissue therapy your sore body may sorely need. Ask us about this option.
A common reason for seeking a deep tissue massage is to reduce muscle tightness. In a deep tissue session, attention is focused on stretching, lengthening, and reducing tension in the targeted muscles. The type of pressure used is deep enough to bring oxygen, stimulate circulation, and stimulate the elimination of toxins. Muscles introduced to this pressure might respond with inflammation, which could last one to three days. And, tightness is actually part of the healing process, particularly in muscles you have not had treated or have not stretched in a while.
I can think of two instances when I sought a massage therapist for deep tissue work, both memorable because I was sore after the session and on the days following it. I later realized that the soreness disappeared, and I was experiencing less stress and was more relaxed. I was able to focus more intently on my immediate tasks as opposed to being distracted by the discomfort I had been experiencing.
Of course, if you do continue to experience pain days after your Deep Tissue session with us, give us a call. We may even recommend that you consult your doctor. Remember that our purpose is to work with you and other health practitioners to help you gain and maintain wellness.
In the meantime, here are my 6 simple steps to get the most of your next massage:
Call to inquire about the therapist’s style, techniques, specialties.
Schedule a free consultation (if available).
Ask your doctor about which therapies will complement your health-care regimen.
Try a 30-minute session to start.
Take advantage of promotions to learn more about the therapist.
Visit our website or send an email message to find out more.