Deep Tissue Massage Helps With Muscle Injury Healing And Pain
There is more than one type of massage. You might enjoy a relaxing massage that helps you reduce stress and muscle tension, but if your doctor suggests you have massages to help you heal from an accident, you might be given a deep tissue massage instead. This type of massage uses a different technique and has a different goal from a massage given for relaxation purposes. Here's how deep tissue massage is done and how it benefits your injury.
A Deep Tissue Massage Uses Stronger Pressure
This type of massage might be given to your injured area only or your entire body. The therapist kneads your muscles and uses stronger pressure than with a relaxation massage. However, massaging deep tissues shouldn't be too painful, so let the therapist know how well you're tolerating the procedure.
Stronger pressure is needed so the therapist can reach deep tissues where you might have a muscle or tendon injury. However, the massage therapist doesn't want to increase your pain.
The Massage Breaks Up Scar Tissue
When you get a tear in a muscle or tendon, the tissues repair themselves, and that often involves scar formation. Scars interfere with healing and they can also cause pain. When you get a deep tissue massage, the scars are massaged so they break up and are absorbed by your body.
Deep Tissue Massage Also Improves Circulation
Another benefit of a deep tissue massage is that it enhances circulation in the deep layers of your muscles. Increasing blood flow helps with the healing of an injury since blood carries nutrients and oxygen your tissues can use for repairs.
In addition, the massage helps relieve muscle tension. When your muscles are relaxed, you may feel less pain. Even though the pressure is much harder with this type of massage, it can still cause whole-body relaxation, and being in a relaxed state can improve your mood and reduce stress, which might also be beneficial for helping your injury heal and for feeling less pain.
A Series Of Massages May Be Needed
You might get a massage for relaxation when you feel like it even if the massages are months apart. When you're getting a massage for therapeutic reasons, you may need to have them done on a set schedule so you make progress toward your recovery. You might need a massage a few times a week until your pain has improved and your range of motion has returned.
Deep tissue massages can be taken by nearly anyone, but there are some circumstances that make the massage inappropriate. Let the therapist know if you have a medical condition such as osteoporosis or if you're pregnant since deep tissue work may not be advisable during those times. For more information on deep tissue massages, contact a professional near you.