Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

Rather than in traditional massages, where strokes are more generalized, deep tissue massage applies these same strokes to a more focused area, which can help to treat pain in concentrated areas of the body. Not only this, but these strokes also tend to be slower and more pressurized than in general massages, which can make them more effective for muscle and tendon issues. Many patients wonder what the difference is between swedish massage vs. deep tissue massage. Unlike Swedish massage, deeper pressure is applied by the practitioner, and they may use their forearms, elbows or knuckles to apply the appropriate amount of pressure to your body or the area in pain.

As well as the traditional types of deep tissue massage, deep tissue massage covers a wide range of practices. These include cupping, where a heated cup creates a vacuum on your skin and can excavate toxins from the muscles, and cross-fiber friction, which is used to relieve tension from the muscles by working with their fibers. Trigger point therapy is also used within some deep tissue massage practices, as this can help to focus on certain pressure points that can relieve pain in the body. During this practice, blood is cut off from certain areas for a limited time in order to rejuvenate the blood accessing this area of the body.

Before the session begins, your practitioner will not only perform the massage but will discuss with you other aspects of your lifestyle which could help to relieve the pain that you are experiencing and contribute to the positive effects of the massage that you are undergoing. For instance, they may discuss elements with you that include your exercise routine and diet to see if this can affect your body’s ability to heal and provide pain relief.

Sessions will usually last no more than an hour. Most clients will undergo a series of sessions over a period of weeks, such as six weeks, to ensure that they get the most deep tissue massage benefits possible.

You may also be prepared for a little bit of discomfort during the session due to the practice’s focus on areas of your body which are causing you pain. This is because scars and muscles are being accessed to relieve tension from them, which can trigger movement as they are being coerced into the right position for recovery. However, your practitioner will be able to adapt their techniques if this begins to cause you pain.

During the massage, most patients will lie on your back or front under a sheet, although the problem area will be exposed. Firstly, the massager will warm your body up with lighter touches surrounding the problem area before working on a more focused section of the body and starting to use deeper strokes for maximum effect.

You may feel sore after a deep tissue massage, which should only last about two days. Although this soreness may feel uncomfortable, it usually means that your muscles and tissues were stimulated by your practitioner and is a good sign of healing.

Studies have shown that deep tissue massage can be an excellent solution for those with chronic pain and those in need of pain relief. In this particular study, 59 of the participants with lower back pain felt some element of pain relief after the massage was conducted.

Deep tissue massage can also be used to treat a number of personal injuries that could occur from work-related, sporting or auto accident injuries. These include issues such as tennis elbow, sciatica, and fibromyalgia, among others.

Not only this, but deep tissue massage has also been found by studies to be excellent for those with high blood pressure or those experiencing high levels of stress due to an accident or injury, with most patients’ blood pressure reducing after between 45-60 minutes of the practice.

By accessing the deeper layers of muscle and tendon tissue, the practice is excellent for those looking to relieve tension and pain in the muscles and surrounding areas of the body. This practice has a much more beneficial effect on this than traditional massages.

Here at Icon Medical, our specialists provide a series of therapeutic massage techniques and treatments that can help those suffering from personal injuries and auto accidents to get back on your feet. Whether you are suffering from chronic pain or muscle soreness, our practices will allow you to relieve any pain that you are experiencing with various massage sessions.

Our massage therapists are experienced in using both swedish massage and deep tissue massage techniques to increase circulation to any injured muscle groups or connective tissues so that you can experience the maximum health benefits. For a natural way to recover from your injury, contact Icon Medical to discuss your injury and what our practitioners can do for your individual injury in the Miami and Hollywood area.