What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep Tissue Massage uses more pressure than most other forms of massage since it aims to stretch and loosen muscles which need attention or which have sustained injury.
Within the Westoe Practice, South Shields our massage therapist uses Deep Tissue Massage to treat sports injuries and as a preventative measure during sports training and competition. The Massage Therapists at The Westoe Practice, South Shields use Deep Tissue Massage to ensure muscles are well balanced, smooth and relaxed when resting, toned and strong in action. Deep Tissue Massage also helps the damaged tissue to heal quickly and correctly with the minimum of scar tissue, adhesions and loss of mobility.
How does it work?
The techniques in sports massage can be the same as the basic techniques in any other forms of therapeutic massage, however in sports massage the therapist may apply the techniques more firmly and deeper than a general massage therapist might.
The sports massage therapist at the Westoe Practice, South Shields may also make more use for frictioning techniques which involves applying deep pressure to tissues repeatedly to break down adhesions and soften scar tissue. Some sports massage techniques are designed to reduce an injury to its acute stage in order to trigger the bodies natural healing response. Massage helps the damaged tissue to heal quickly and correctly with the minimum of scar tissue, adhesions and loss of mobility.
How can it help you?
Unlike Swedish massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Ostearthritis pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
- Back pain
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
- Stress relief and stress-related conditions
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains
Massage therapy relieves stress. It is thought to help the body's stress response by lowering levels of hormones such as cortisol.
In addition to the benefits listed above, massage can: promote general well-being and relaxation, whilst boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion and skin tone.
A Typical Deep Tissue Massage Session
A typical Deep Tissue Massage at the Westoe Practice, South Shields will take approximately 30 - 60 minutes, depending on whether it is a full body or back massage. A Back massage can be 30 or 45 min and include the neck and shoulders and a Full body massage lasts 60 min and includes upper chest, face and scalp Your massage will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.
It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.
Two or three treatments are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief from many conditions, although further treatments may sometimes be required.
Clients are encouraged to return occasionally for maintenance treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What do I wear during the massage?
A: Our massage therapists are trained to respect your privacy at all times and will use a towel technique to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the session. You will be given privacy to undress to your underwear and you will be covered with a towel at all times except the area being worked on.
Q: What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
A: Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
Q: Is massage recommended for everyone?
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
- People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
