Deep tissue massage can bring relief to people suffering from many conditions. This type of massage is similar to Swedish massage and focuses on the deep layers of muscle and other structures that surround bones, muscle, and the joints. Massage has many benefits beyond pain relief.
What Can Massage Do?
Massage can assist those who have conditions which cause chronic pain. Many stress-related migraine sufferers can find relief by undergoing regular massage. Those who exercise regularly or are professional athletes can relieve sore muscles through massage. Lower back pain and other conditions, such as arthritis, can be lessened using massage.
How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?
This type of massage is firm and much slower than other common massage types. There is little manipulation of the body and the person receiving the massage is usually face down or on their back. Depending on which part of the body is being focused on, the recipient could switch position part way through the massage.
Usually, the massage therapist will focus on certain muscle groups. For example, a chronic migraine sufferer might have the therapist focus on muscles in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Even those who want to focus on certain areas can find that massage of other muscle groups helps as well.
Benefits of Massage
Massage has many benefits beyond pain relief. Those who undergo regular massage often find that their anxiety levels are decreased, and their muscles become more responsive. Massage stimulates the flow of blood and can also release hormones that make the recipient feel good, such as serotonin. Many people choose to use massage in lieu of prescription painkillers, which mask the pain but do not remove it.
There are some studies that show massage helping to lower blood pressure. As a result, the symptoms of high blood pressure are relieved. Regular massage helps to break up scar tissue from injuries. It can also decrease healing time and inflammation due to increased circulation after a massage.
Massage can be used to reduce leg and back pain in pregnant women. It can also be used to decrease pain levels during labor. Regular massage may influence the time needed to give birth. Massage can be used by both pregnant and post-partum women to relieve anxiety and depression.
Who Performs Massage?
There are many places that offer massage. Be sure to go to a reputable company. Anyone can easily research companies online and find one that works for you. A trained massage therapist will work with you and your comfort level to help you find relief from pain or injury.