We’ve all heard plenty about the abstract benefits of massage — that it makes you feel more relaxed, calmer, and overall better. However, if you’re looking into picking a massage, vague descriptions like these won’t always suffice.
In this article, we’ll delve into what the benefits of a deep tissue massage are and who will get the most out of it. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture and will be able to decide if it’s the right type of massage for you.
What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
First, let’s briefly discuss what a deep tissue massage is to ensure that everyone is up to speed. Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscle and tissue — hence the name.
If you’ve ever seen a massage scene in a movie featuring the masseuse performing deep and long strokes on someone’s muscles, chances are it was a deep tissue massage.
The Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is popular for good reason — it’s very versatile and its benefits are plentiful. We’ll point out eight of those benefits and explore who will gain the most from each one.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation happens after an injury. It’s the body’s natural response, but it’s also the main reason we experience lasting pain and swelling after getting hurt.
As such, doing away with it or, at the very least, reducing it is very important. Luckily, one of the main benefits of deep tissue massage is the fact that it significantly reduces inflammation and all of its uncomfortable and painful symptoms.
The aforementioned result is achieved by targeting trigger points and knots in the muscles and breaking apart said knots.
This benefit is a big reason behind the popularity of deep tissue massage. Anyone can benefit from reducing inflammation — even minor injuries can lead to pain and discomfort due to it.
Improving Posture
As we’re sure has been drilled into your head by now, posture is very important.
Deep tissue massage helps improve your posture by loosening up your muscles and stretching them out, making it much easier and less tension-inducing to sit and stand up straight.
Therefore, people who regularly receive deep tissue massage are much likelier to have good posture than those who don’t.
Releasing Chronic Muscle Pain
Similarly to how it reduces inflammation, deep tissue massage can temporarily relieve chronic muscle pain. As chronic muscle pain can significantly impede daily activities and most drug-based reliefs for it also come with various side effects, deep tissue massage is among the best ways to relax and deal with the condition.
If you are experiencing chronic muscle pain, getting a deep tissue massage every week or two can provide critical short-term relief and long-term benefits. A whopping 88% of consumers agree that massage is effective at reducing pain.
Breaking Up Scar Tissue
Scar tissue that forms after injury or surgery can impede movement and cause pain and discomfort in the affected area. Deep tissue massage can help combat this by breaking apart the tissue and promoting blood flow.
Kneading and circular motions dismantle the problematic tissue, produce short-term relief, and help with long-term healing. As such, deep tissue massage will often prove invaluable after surgery or injuries that leave scar tissue.
Increasing Flexibility and Range of Motion
As we’ve mentioned, deep tissue massage can break up muscle knots, alleviate tension, and increase the muscles’ ability to stretch. Aside from helping with pain and discomfort, all of this will increase your flexibility and range of motion.
Therefore, deep tissue massage is great for athletes and hobbyists trying to improve their results, both before and after important sports events.
Reducing Stress
Even though it is common knowledge, many find themselves surprised by just how much stress a good massage can relieve. Of course, deep tissue massage is no exception.
Unlike erotic massage which releases stress through sexual contact, deep tissue massage improves one’s current mood, reduces overall anxiety levels, and improves sleep by lowering cortisol levels in the body by around 30%.
Deep tissue massage is, therefore, a fantastic drug-free form of stress relief for people working in high-stress environments, such as doctors, firefighters, and police officers. It should come as no surprise that 66% of those seeking massage do so to lower their stress and anxiety.
Reducing Headaches
Similarly to how it combats localized pain due to inflammation, deep tissue massage can help with headaches by alleviating inflammation in associated areas such as the neck and shoulders.
Additionally, the relieved tension in these areas promotes blood circulation to the brain, allowing more oxygen to be delivered and thus alleviating pain and discomfort.
This makes deep tissue massage a great drug-free option if you’re experiencing frequent headaches, both as immediate relief and a long-term solution due to its stress-reducing benefits.
Improving Circulation
The final benefit is a big one — deep tissue massage significantly improves circulation. In case it needs to be stated, circulation ensures that your whole body is getting enough blood and oxygen to function properly, which aids with fatigue and even helps with long-term organ health.
In fact, circulation is the driving force behind most benefits of deep tissue massage (alongside alleviation of muscle tension).
Everyone can benefit from improved circulation, but it is especially important for people with tiring or sedentary jobs. For a different way to get the blood flowing, Nuru massage is a great option.
Conclusion
Deep tissue massage provides a wide variety of results, and the vast majority of people will benefit from at least one of them. As such, we recommend a deep tissue massage to both first-timers and regular massage enjoyers.
If we’ve piqued your interest and you think a deep tissue massage is suitable for you (who wouldn’t with all of these benefits!), you can book one with us at AsianMassage2Hotel and receive one from the best luxury Asian massage therapists in Vegas. If you’d rather get a massage with your partner than solo, consider booking a couples massage instead.
