Deep Tissue Massage Spa
Deep Tissue Massage
Are you experiencing stress, muscle soreness, or pain? Do you feel like your body is a giant knot of tense muscles? Deep tissue massage therapy might be the solution to your problems.
The human body has layers of muscles – muscles on top of muscles. Deep tissue massage is an advanced technique focused on manipulating the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. People may choose this type of massage to treat sports injuries or chronic pain.
Best Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief
Deep tissue massage centers on realigning the deeper layers of connective and muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the tense areas. It is particularly helpful for chronically tight and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Deep tissue massage is much more than just a “hard massage.” There are special deep tissue massage techniques that are used to manipulate the deep muscles in a way to release any stored tension that causes pain. But not only is deep tissue massage helpful in relaxing muscles, it encourages the lengthening of fascia, muscles, and tendons, which offers many benefits such as increased joint movement, quicker injury recovery, better posture, as well as feelings of well-being.
Deep tissue massage is often used to treat:
Chronic Pain
Limited Mobility
Recovery from Injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, and sports injury)
Repetitive Strain Injury (carpal tunnel syndrome)
Postural Problems
Osteoarthritis Pain
Muscle Tension or Spasm.
Who Should Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage can be beneficial for anyone but is especially helpful for repairing a minor muscular injury or combating chronic pain and discomfort. Some people, like those who practice sports, those who have high-demanding jobs, or those who make a living sitting at a desk all day, might benefit more from getting a deep tissue massage.
While deep tissue massage appointments are typically made in response to an injury, they can also be part of an ongoing care plan. Some injuries leave people with chronic pain and discomfort that disrupts their life and requires attention.
Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
Deep tissue has been found to improve muscle function and range of motion, break up scar tissue and adhesions and decrease pain. It is thought that when muscles are tensed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. A deep tissue massage may help loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it is recommended to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body.
These are among the benefits of deep tissue massage:
STRESS RELIEF
Deep tissue massage is a great stress reliever. Whether you are experiencing stress at home or at work, getting a massage is a great way to unplug and relax for a period of time.
A massage can help lower cortisol levels and increase levels of oxytocin, which is a hormone that relaxes the body and produces soothing effects.
It can also help with physical symptoms of stress, such as tight muscles and shoulders and tension headaches.
The massage can also increase production of serotonin, which promotes good feelings and happiness.
REDUCES PAIN
There are a number of conditions that deep tissue massage therapy can treat. Chronic pain in the lower back, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and stiff necks can all be treated with massage therapy.
Muscle tension that usually occurs with chronic pain can also be lessened with deep tissue massage, as it can loosen the tight tissue clusters causing pain.
Research has reported that deep tissue massage is more effective for relieving chronic pain than medication or other medical treatments, and is usually more cost-effective as well.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE
Deep tissue massage reduces stress and tension, which impacts blood pressure. Massage has positive impacts on systolic, diastolic, and arterial blood pressure.
BREAKS UP SCAR TISSUE & MAKES MOVEMENT EASIER
In areas where people have scar tissue, they often report chronic pain and stiffness.
Getting regular deep tissue massages can help break up this scar tissue by improving lymphatic circulation and drainage to improve flexibility and range of motion in the area of the scar tissue.
Many people who are recovering from surgery are often encouraged to get deep tissue massages to minimize scar tissue.
REDUCES ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS
Deep tissue massage therapy can be used to treat many different symptoms of arthritis, like pain, stiffness, limited range of motion in joints, and sleep issues.
Moderate pressure can reduce arthritis pain and ease tension, making it easier for those with arthritis to move around. It can also help with sleep issues by alleviating pain that may keep arthritis patients awake at night.
REHABILITATES INJURED MUSCLES
If you have injured muscles, a deep tissue massage can help stretch tight or twisted muscles and can also facilitate the movement of toxins from your muscles that can build up as a result of injury.
Deep tissue massage therapy is used frequently to treat sports-related injuries. Many athletes are incorporating deep tissue massage into their recovery protocols, as they can help delay the onset of muscle soreness, help with muscle fatigue, and prevent injuries.
Goals of Deep Tissue Massage
Reduce pain.
Improve posture.
Increase flexibility and perception of looseness.
Restore metabolic status of tissue
Relieve pain and stiffness
Improve circulation
Reduce swelling
Speed up healing of muscle strains and sprains
Restore range of motion
Swedish Massage Versus Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are two popular forms of massage with some differences and similarities. Swedish massage uses long strokes and light-to-firm pressure to provide gentle relaxation. Deep tissue massage is a more forceful technique that releases tension deep in the muscles and connective tissues.
As Swedish massage is the basis for many deep tissue techniques, the two therapies share many similarities. There are also some key differences that may help a person decide which method will be best for them.
Swedish massage uses a series of light, long strokes to ease surface tension and stimulate circulation in the muscles. Deep tissue massage may include strokes similar to those of Swedish massage, but the therapist will apply the strokes more forcefully. This intensity helps release tension in the deeper layers of muscle and in the connective tissues, or fascia, beneath the muscles.
The massage types also vary in their intended uses. Swedish massage is a popular massage for relaxation. The light-to-moderate pressure is good for relieving light muscle tension and stress. It can leave a person feeling rejuvenated. Deep tissue massage is mainly for working out deep muscle tension or aiding recovery from a muscle strain. To achieve this, the therapist must apply greater pressure, and this can cause some discomfort. As a result, deep tissue massage is typically not for relaxation or stress relief.
What to Expect During Your Deep Tissue Massage Session
You must first register at the front desk after your arrival at King Spa. You will be given keys to your locker. Our staff will also hand you towels and some spa uniforms. Once you are in the massage room, you’ll be asked to undress (to the degree you’re comfortable) and lie down on your stomach or back.
In the first few minutes of the massage, your therapist will use a lighter touch. Once your muscles are warmed up, they’ll start targeting your painful areas. If you want them to press harder or to ease up, just let them know. They’re there to make you happy and comfortable, so don’t be shy!
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as a more classic superficial massage. The difference is that the pressure will generally be more intense, and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. The strokes are the same, but the movement is slower and deeper. At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain. It is important to tell the therapist when they hit a tender spot and if any discomfort you experience is outside your comfort range. Due to the focused nature of the session, the treatment can become intense at times. You may also feel sore after the treatment.
How Often Should I Have a Deep Tissue Massage?
How often you should receive this type of massage will depend on the certain conditions being treated. If you are suffering from a severe injury, you may want to get a deep tissue massage up to three times a week. If the deep tissue massage is to help with muscle tension or stress relief, you may only need a session once a month.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects
People may experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, particularly if a therapist targets problem areas. Although this massage has a low risk of harm, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for everyone. People may want to first check with their doctor if they have any of the following:
a blood clotting disorder
increased risk of injury, such as bone fractures
nerve injury
older age
any recent surgery or chemotherapy
wounds or skin conditions
Preparing For Your Deep Tissue Massage
As your appointment draws near, you should try to remember to do these four things:
Stay hydrated. Hydration begins at least 24 hours prior to your time with a massage therapist. Deep tissue massage releases toxins from your muscles. Making sure that you are hydrated when you go into the massage makes it easier for your body to flush out these toxins as quickly and efficiently as possible. Also, well-hydrated muscles are more pliable, which may make it easier for the therapist to break up the toughest knots without causing too much discomfort.
Take a shower. While this may not always be possible, taking a shower can make the massage a more relaxing experience. The warm water will help loosen your muscles, which is another way to reduce potential discomfort during a deep tissue massage.
Know your goals for the massage. If you have a particular goal for the massage — such as tension relief in a particular area or healing support for a specific injury — remember to let your massage therapist know. That way, they can be sure to address your concerns.
What to Do After Your Deep Tissue Massage
The post-care points aren’t that different from the preparation. After all, a massage is not an isolated experience — it’s part of your body’s ongoing interaction with everything around it. Here are four things to do to extend your massage’s benefits:
Continue to drink water. Just like being hydrated before the appointment, drinking water afterward can help flush out the toxins that were released by the massage. Maintaining your hydration levels after the massage can also reduce post-massage side effects like soreness and nausea.
Eat well. It’s best to avoid a heavy meal after a massage, but you also want to make sure that you are getting enough nutrients. Deep tissue massage stimulates blood flow to needy muscle tissue, so you want to be sure that the blood is carrying the nutrients you need.
Get a good night’s rest. While you’re sleeping, your muscles are able to recover from the stress of the massage and efficiently utilize the nutrients that are being provided by the increased blood flow.
Schedule a follow-up appointment. A single deep tissue massage can definitely make a difference, but many patients notice more significant improvements with regular massage appointments.
Best Massage Therapist in Virginia
If you are interested in relieving your pain through deep tissue massage, please contact us at King Spa Virginia. We are committed to helping you find the pain relief that you need so you can live pain-free. We also provide various wellness and spa services to help people like you achieve the ultimate relaxation that you desire.