Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of the body and muscles to help relieve pain and stress. There are many kinds of massage, for instance, deep tissue massage, and each has unique benefits. If you’re a massage therapist looking to expand your skills and service offerings, taking courses through HICI Go, an online learning platform, can help you do so.
HICI Go provides a diverse catalog of beauty and wellness courses online and live webinars for people throughout the U.S. and in person through our partner schools in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Here, we share more about the benefits of deep tissue massage.
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a massage method that targets deep layers of muscle and tissue using strong pressure. This type of massage differs from a traditional Swedish massage because it targets deeper layers of the skin — making it best for patients with chronic pain or injuries, rather than those looking for relaxation. Deep tissue massage can help patients manage conditions like:
- Sports injuries
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sciatica
The main goal of a deep tissue massage is to reduce muscle pain by breaking up knots that are in the deeper layers of the skin. Deep tissue massages are best for patients who can handle some discomfort during the massage to reap the benefits afterward.
How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?
Trained massage therapists perform deep tissue massages, usually in a spa or salon. Before receiving the massage, the massage therapist will ask about problem areas, pressure preferences, and goals. Next, the patient will head to the massage room and get undressed to their comfort level. Then they will lay down on the massage table under a sheet, usually face down to start.
The massage therapist will start with lighter pressure to warm up the muscles. Once they’re sufficiently warmed up, the therapist will move on to deeper pressure massage techniques like slow strokes, friction movements, and direct pressure to powerfully manipulate the muscles in the affected area. The intense pressure and movements help to break up knots and release scar tissue, leading to reduced tension, pain, and inflammation.
After a deep tissue massage, patients may be sore for a few days. However, a trained massage therapist should be able to adjust the pressure to the preferences of the patient to make sure it isn’t too painful.
What Are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic form of massage that targets deep areas of muscle, contrary to other types that focus on superficial body areas. This intense technique offers several benefits to patients, including:
Pain Relief
The main benefit of deep tissue massage is relief from pain caused by injuries or chronic conditions. Deep muscle manipulation helps release tension and stiffness, which can help reduce pain levels. Studies have shown that deep tissue can help provide at least short-term pain relief, but longer-term pain relief must be researched further.
Reduced Inflammation
Another benefit of deep tissue massage is reduced inflammation in the body. Inflammation is caused by an injury or irritation and can lead to further pain, swelling, scar tissue formation, and knots in the muscles. Deep tissue massage techniques like kneading and circular motions help to break down knots and scar tissue, reducing the inflammation there. The reduced inflammation can also allow for an improved range of motion and lower pain levels.
Improved Circulation
Another benefit of deep tissue massage is improved circulation. Deep tissue massage helps improve the circulation of blood and lymph fluid by manipulating the tissue. It also sends blood flow and oxygen to the treated area, helping to reduce swelling and encourage healing.
Stress Relief
Although a deep tissue massage isn’t as relaxing as a Swedish massage, many patients also feel relaxed and experience stress relief after a deep tissue session. Muscle manipulation releases tension, stiffness, and pain, which can lead to a more relaxed feeling and less stress.
These are just some of the benefits that patients can receive from deep tissue massage, although most patients will need multiple deep tissue treatments to see the desired results and improvements.
Learn Deep Tissue Massage Through HICI Go
If you’re a massage therapist, consider learning deep tissue massage and adding it to your massage service offerings. HICI Go provides massage courses in a variety of in-demand techniques to people throughout the U.S. and we update our course offerings frequently.
Courses are available in three convenient formats: in-person, live webinars, and online anytime, so you can study any way you like. In-person courses are available through our partner institutions Cortiva Institute and Hollywood Institute in Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Contact us today to learn more about deep tissue massage courses or read through our frequently asked questions.