Do Your Muscles Need a Deep Tissue Massage?

The human body is a remarkable thing. It can stand, walk, run and even whirl around on the tips of one’s toes all on the same day. It can lift heavy objects above its head, strain against resistance to build strength, and even keep rhythm with the music.

But what most people don’t realise is that our bodies are constantly working to keep us mobile and functional. Muscles contract and expand on a second-by-second basis to protect joints, bones, and other organs from damage by everyday activities like climbing stairs or swinging a golf club.

Without giving everything we do from a day at work to a night on the town credit, it’s easy to let our muscles take the brunt of stress and strain daily – which often results in aches, muscle pain, stiffness, or tightness afterward. In this article, we’re going to explore what a deep tissue massage is and how it can benefit your muscles.

A deep tissue massage is a type of massage that targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues. It is used to treat chronic pain, stiffness, and muscle tensions. The massage therapist will use their knuckles, elbows, and even their feet to apply targeted pressure to the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.



The massage therapist uses slow, deep strokes and pressure to reach the innermost layers of your muscles. This kind of massage can help break down scar tissue and adhesions that have built up from previous injuries, as well as unknot and stretch the muscles to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and increase range of motion. This type of massage can be beneficial for people who experience:

• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (e.g., whiplash, falls)

Deep tissue massage therapy is often used to treat people who have sustained soft tissue injuries in the past, such as athletes who have sustained muscle tears or people who have undergone trauma like car accidents. The massage will break down the scar tissue and adhesions that can form around the injured area, helping to improve flexibility and range of motion gradually.

A deep tissue massage can also help improve your range of motion by increasing blood flow to the muscles and improving flexibility and elasticity in the soft tissue. When combined with the breakdown of scar tissue, these factors can help improve the range of motion in joints like the knee, ankle, or shoulder that have been injured.

A deep tissue massage can help to reduce pain by loosening up tight muscles and breaking down scar tissue that has built up in the soft tissue. This can help relieve pain and increase flexibility in the muscles, which will help reduce pain and improve functionality.

Deep tissue massage can also help decrease anxiety and muscle rigidity by loosening up tight muscles and helping you relax. The breakdown of scar tissue will also help release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

A deep tissue massage can effectively treat persistent pain, adhesions, and injuries that have not responded to other treatments. However, a wide range of massage techniques are used in deep tissue massage, and the massage therapist may need to adjust the pressure depending on your injury or condition. The key is finding a therapist who is experienced in working with your condition or injury and will modify techniques as needed.

Deep tissue massage can also be used as a recovery technique after a hard workout or injury. Studies have shown that deep tissue massage can increase the rate of muscle growth and help decrease muscle soreness. It can also help reduce the amount of time it takes for an injury to heal by decreasing swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Whether you choose Swedish or deep tissue massage, you will be lying face down on the massage table and covered with a sheet to keep you warm. Your therapist will begin by rubbing your back and shoulders with long, sweeping motions to loosen tight muscles fibers before applying more intense firm pressure to specific points along your spine. As the massage progresses, your therapist may apply pressure to one area at a time or combine different techniques in the sequence.

The entire process takes about an hour and is broken into stages, so that your body can relax into each part of the massage. At the beginning of the massage, your therapist will likely use long sweeps with their hands using light pressure on your back and shoulders. This is called effleurage, which helps relax your muscles and ease tension in those areas.

As they work their way down from your neck to just above your waist, they may apply light tapping or percussion strokes that help loosen up any adhesions in the muscles and stimulate blood flow throughout the area. Once they reach this point in the treatment, they may begin working on specific areas of tightness or pain using deeper strokes and more focused pressure.

A deep tissue massage's most common side effect is soreness or pain in a day or two following the treatment. This is caused by releasing toxins from your muscles during the massage. It's important to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue massage to help flush these toxins out of your system.

You may also experience some stiffness or difficulty moving due to the release of myofascial adhesions during the massage. This is temporary and should resolve within a day or two. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you have any lingering pain or discomfort. Deep tissue massages are not recommended for pregnant women, people with blood clots, or those who are at risk for heart disease.

The frequency of deep tissue massages will vary depending on the individual's needs. If you are seeking relief from persistent pain, then weekly or bi-weekly sessions may be appropriate. For those who get massages regularly for relaxation purposes, monthly or every other month may be sufficient. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner to determine what is best for you.

Massage is a holistic healing method that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including muscle pain, headaches, anxiety, and joint pain. While there are two main types of massage—Swedish and Deep Tissue—each serve different purposes and should be used based on the individual’s needs. While both types of massage can be beneficial, a deep tissue massage may provide you with more immediate pain relief, making it a good option for people who are looking for an instant change in how they feel.

Book a session now with OnSon and experience the benefits of deep tissue massages for yourself!

OnSon has a team of highly skilled and experienced therapists who can provide you with an excellent deep tissue massage and other massage techniques. If you’re looking for pain relief, or just want to try something new, book a session with us today!