Who Can Benefit From A Deep Tissue Massage?
As the name suggests, deep tissue massage works on the
deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Before treatment begins, the
therapist will ask you about your medical history so that they can identify the
best possible way to proceed during your treatment. The session should be
tailor made to your requirements and for maximum benefit you are likely to
require several sessions. Unlike other massage therapies which aim to provide
relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem such as:
• Chronic pain - when
an individual has been experiencing continuous pain for twelve weeks or more.
• Limited mobility - occurring as a result of disease, an
accident or a congenital disorder.
• Repetitive Strain Injury – pain associated with loss of
function in a limb resulting from repetitive
movements. It most commonly
affects the neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
• Postural problems –
mainly affecting the back.
• Osteoarthritis pain – progressive degeneration of the
joints resulting in limited and painful joint movement.
• Fibromyalgia –
results in widespread pain felt in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the
body
• Problems in various
joints – including tennis elbow, golfers elbow, frozen shoulder, ankle sprains
and runners knee.
• Generalised muscle tension or spasm
• Generalised muscular aches and pains
• Recovery from injuries – including falls, whiplash or
sports injuries.
When an individual is suffering from chronic pain or an
injury of some kind, the muscles and tissues in the affected area become very
tight and the body is therefore out of alignment. A therapist will apply
pressure to the affected areas using their hands, thumbs, fingertips or elbows
to try to relax the muscles and massage oils may be used to make the treatment
more effective and relaxing. Benefits include increased circulation, relief of
muscle tension and also breaking down of scar tissue. Having decided that you
want to experience a deep tissue massage, the next step is to locate a
therapist.
One way to do this is
through referrals from your friends or your healthcare provider. Once you have
located your therapist, you will then need to check that they are suitably
qualified and experienced in their field. You will also need to decide whether
you would prefer to receive your deep tissue massage at a treatment centre or
in the comfort of your own home.
