Whether you’re a professional athlete with a lot of daily physical activity or someone undergoing physical therapy, deep tissue massage can offer many benefits to your body. The main purpose of deep tissue massage is to relieve muscle soreness and discomfort, and at the same time improve the body’s ability to heal itself. So what is deep tissue massage? What benefits can it bring to our body?
What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage (DTM for short) mainly involves related tissues in the body including fascia, muscles and joints. Compared with other common massages such as Swedish massage or acupressure massage, deep tissue massage is usually more Slower goes deeper into the inner layers of the body, so the massage therapist applies deep pressure to targeted areas of the body, plus most deep tissue massages typically focus on major muscle groups, such as the neck or lower back; and joints and tendons that are prone to injury Therefore, deep tissue massage is also called “sports massage” by many people.
The benefits of deep tissue massage
Relieves the chronic back pain
According to a research report published in a specific study in the Journal of Health Technology and Informatics in 2012, which compared two different massage treatments for chronic back pain, the study focused on 26 chronic back pain patients aged between 60 and 75. They were divided into two groups: the first group received therapeutic massage, while the second group received deep tissue massage. Each massage session lasted for 30 minutes and continued for 10 days. During the study, they stopped their previous treatment methods. The results of the study showed that the group receiving deep tissue massage experienced more improvement in pain compared to the group receiving therapeutic massage.
Additionally, a study published in Scientific World Journal in 2014 found that using deep tissue massage therapy alone was effective in reducing chronic back pain in patients, even comparable to the results of using massage in combination with NSAID pain relievers.
Reduce high blood pressure
A study published in a medical journal found that deep tissue massage has a positive impact on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure readings in adults with pain and symptoms of hypertension. This study involved 263 volunteers with an average age of 48.5 years. Before the treatment, overall muscle spasm/muscle strain was described as moderate or severe for each patient. They then received a continuous 45-60 minute massage while 21 types of soothing music were played. The data was subsequently analyzed using Scheffe’s F-test. The results showed that after massage therapy, the average systolic blood pressure decreased by 10.4 mm/Hg, diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5.3 mm/Hg, mean arterial pressure decreased by 7.0 mm/Hg, and average heart rate decreased by 10.8 beats per minute.
Relives pressure and muscle tension
Chronic stress and muscle tension-induced inflammation can lead to a deterioration in overall health, prolonged recovery time, decreased immune function, and cardiovascular issues such as hypertension. The study has showed that massage therapy can help reduce cortisol levels and even promote the production of oxytocin. Over the years, researchers have found oxytocin to be crucial in regulating various human behaviors and emotional responses. It is believed that all the biochemical mechanisms in the brain related to psychology, sensations, and emotional functions are closely associated with oxytocin.
Several mechanisms of deep tissue massage naturally relieve stress, including its ability to dilate blood vessels and lower activity in the limbic system (including the hypothalamus), which is responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system and cortisol secretion. Through measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rate variability, it has been demonstrated that massage can improve relaxation by enhancing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Learn more: Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Free Your Toxins From Within
Improves sports recovery and performance
A research report published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Fitness found a positive trend in the use of deep tissue massage to improve sports recovery and performance. The most beneficial form of deep tissue massage for athletes is considered sports massage, which is typically performed before exercise to help warm up the body and prevent injuries or enhance immediate recovery.
The report indicates that sports massage has become an increasingly interesting subject for athletes, sports trainers, coaches, and exercise physiologists. It also suggests that deep tissue massage can help improve lactate clearance, delay muscle soreness, alleviate muscle fatigue, prevent injuries, and aid in injury treatment. Furthermore, researchers have noted the psychological benefits for athletes receiving massage include the improvements in attention and confidence. Although further long-term research and data analysis are still needed, the effects of tissue healing and the psychological impact of massage are beneficial for both professional and recreational athletes.
Reduces arthritis symptoms
According to the Arthritis Foundation, massage is used to alleviate common symptoms of various types of arthritis, including chronic joint pain, stiffness, anxiety, limited joint range of motion, and difficulty sleeping. Whether performed by professionals or by patients themselves, regular massage can be used for natural relief.
Research has shown that firmer and more targeted massage can significantly reduce arthritis pain compared to lighter massage. Lighter massage often causes agitation as the heart rate tends to increase. However, with moderate pressure, the heart rate typically decreases, which can promote relaxation and reduce tension.
Help pregnant women with relieving childbirth pain
Many pregnant women are now turning to complementary methods to help control childbirth pain and support natural delivery processes such as the Bradley method. In fact, surveys show that the most commonly recommended alternative therapies during pregnancy are massage therapy (61%), acupuncture (45%), relaxation techniques (43%), yoga (41%), and chiropractic massage therapy (37%). Some studies suggest that massage therapy can be effective during pregnancy by reducing anxiety, and pregnant women who receive massages before and during childbirth experience reduced symptoms such as depression, anxiety, leg pain, and back pain.
Additionally, the results of a study found that women who received massages before and during childbirth experienced significant pain reduction, with an average shortening of labor time by 3 hours and a decreased need for medication. Furthermore, the improved blood flow due to reduced cortisol levels after massage can help prevent excessive fetal activity and the risk of preterm birth.
Unlock Your Well-being with DTM
Experience the magic effects of Deep tissue massage for yourself. Consult with a qualified therapist in Dubai and unlock your body’s healing potential through the power of DTM. Relieve pains, embrace relaxation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery – all with the help of this remarkable technique. Discover a healthier, revitalized you with Deep tissue massage.
