Deep Tissue Massage
What are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?
Several studies have lauded Deep tissue massage techniques for their physical and psychological benefits. When compared to other massage techniques, this technique can help to treat common muscle pain and improve tissue quality. For instance, a 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage effectively reduced pain in people with a chronic lower back injury. The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).
People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:
- Sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- High blood pressure
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
How Does it Compare to Swedish Massage?
While there are some similarities between the two such as the same relaxing strokes, there are various differences that set the 2 apart.
Here are the key differences between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage:
- Intended use. Deep tissue massage is often employed to treat chronic muscle pain and muscle and sports-related injuries. The latter is mainly used to enhance feelings of relaxation and provide relief from everyday activities that cause muscle issues such as sitting at a computer.
- Pressure. This is a big one as Swedish massage is a much lighter form of massage that uses far less tension than the former. Both types involve the use of the palms and fingers to work on your tissues, but in certain instances, elbows and forearms may also be enlisted during a deep tissue massage.
- Area of focus. Deep tissue massage focuses on the inner layers of your muscles. Muscle issues, damaged tendons can be treated with the massage. Swedish massage targets the upper layers of muscle and focuses on the parts of your body that tend to hold the most tension, such as your neck, shoulders, and back.