Deep tissue massage physically breaks up scar tissue, tight muscles and myofascial restrictions. While it may cause discomfort, a good deep-tissue massage should be relatively painless.
The massage will also stimulate the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Boosting your mood makes it easier to get through your workouts.
Increased Flexibility
The increasing temperature during a deep tissue massage Denver increases the elasticity of muscles and tissues, which can lead to increased flexibility. This helps the muscle relax and loosen, reducing pain and stiffness.
Tight muscles can restrict movement and cause joint pain. This tightness can be due to injuries, surgeries, poor posture, aging, or a sedentary lifestyle. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist works out knots and adhesions in the muscle and the attached connective tissues.
It is important to check with your doctor before getting a deep tissue massage, especially if you have blood clots or are pregnant. However, a good therapist will know how to modify the pressure and technique to ensure comfort and safety.
Reduced Stress
Most people who work out regularly should consider a deep tissue massage at least every two weeks. If you don’t, you’re doing yourself and your workouts a disservice.
Tight muscle tissues restrict blood flow, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching parts of your body that need them. Deep tissue massages break up these tense clusters of muscles and improve circulation.
Some aches and pains are normal after a deep tissue massage, but they shouldn’t last more than a few days. If your aches and pains persist, it’s important to communicate with your therapist to make sure they’re not using too much pressure.
The stress that builds up in the body is reduced by the massage’s impact on your blood pressure and the production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin.
Decreased Pain
Deep tissue massage releases chronic tension in the deeper layers of muscles, tendons and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones and joints). It improves circulation, breaks up adhesions, reduces minor aches and pains and can help ease inflammation.
The therapist uses closed fists, knuckles and elbows to apply pressure to these deeper muscles and tissues. It may feel uncomfortable and even painful at times. The pain is normal and should dissipate within a few days.
The constant stimulation of the muscles and tissues can cause headaches or nausea after the massage. This is due to the movement of toxins from the muscle tissue. To avoid this, drink lots of water before and after your massage to stay hydrated.
Increased Energy
The improved circulation resulting from massage boosts the body’s ability to deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. This also helps to clear out any toxins that may be weighing you down, contributing to feelings of lethargy and fatigue.
As a bonus, Vitamin D (produced by the skin during exposure to sunlight) is released during massage and can help stabilize mood, further contributing to energy levels.
Deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable for some people depending on their pain tolerance. Be sure to communicate with your therapist if you feel too much pressure. They are trained to assess the discomfort you can tolerate and will work to ensure your comfort. Stay hydrated before and after your massage as well.
Increased Sleep
A deep tissue massage gets into the deeper layers of muscle, which impacts blood flow. According to a study published in Scientific World Journal, this type of massage can lower your systolic and diastolic blood pressure and reduce your heart rate.
When your muscles are relaxed, you sleep better and recover faster from workouts. You can also build muscle and burn more calories when your muscles are well-rested.
If you regularly work out, getting a deep tissue massage every two weeks is important to keep your muscles loose and healthy. It may be uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s worth it in the long run to have a more effective workout. Bruising is common, but this is usually due to your body’s natural reaction to injury and can be mitigated by drinking plenty of water after the massage.
