What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is one of the most therapeutic massage techniques available. Similar to Swedish Massage but deeper in pressure, Deep Tissue Massage uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure applied to contracted muscles, tendons and fascia (the protective layer of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, joints, and bones), in an effort to release patterns of chronic tension built up in the body.

How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?

One theory behind Deep Tissue Massage’s proven effectiveness in alleviating painful conditions and improving wellness, is that the inflammation responsible for pain may be caused by a blockage of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue that’s under stress. This leads to a subsequent build-up of toxins in that tissue.

Who Can Benefit from Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is useful for breaking up scar tissue and stuck muscle fibers. It is helpful in the treatment of Sports Injuries and other injuries, like those sustained in whiplash or from a fall. Deep Tissue Massage also helps relieve chronic pain. It is additionally useful in remedying limited mobility, and increasing range of motion.

Deep Tissue Massage and Blood Pressure

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found multiple benefits of deep tissue massage for blood pressure, including reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressure, reduced arterial pressure, and a lower heart rate. Since we know how blocked oxygen and nutrients to the muscles can be a major cause of pain and injury, we can see how when that muscle is relaxed, the oxygen and blood-borne nutrients can continue to circulate properly.

Deep Tissue Massage and Low Back Pain

A study in The Scientific World Journal found that not only was Deep Tissue Massage effective in reducing low back pain, but that it reduced low back pain to a similar degree regardless of whether or not the patient was also taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the pain at the same time.

And a study in Studies in Health Technology and Informatics found Deep Tissue Massage to be effective to a statistically significant degree in relieving low back pain, and more effective on certain scales of measurement than Therapeutic Massage alone.

Deep Tissue Massage and Headaches

A study in Acupuncture & Electro-therapeutics Research confirmed the clinical and physiological benefits of Deep Tissue Massage on chronic tension headaches.

Some of the Other Conditions Deep Tissue Massage Has Been Found Useful For Alleviating Include:

• muscle tension
• muscle spasms
• repetitive strain injury (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
• postural concerns
• pain from osteoarthritis
• fibromyalgia

What to Expect in a Deep Tissue Massage Session

Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago offers deep tissue massage patients talk about! Patients who’ve experienced both Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage at our office will generally tell you that the Deep Tissue Massage is much deeper, and therefore more intense. Upon completion of a Deep Tissue Massage, some patients report the feeling of having just gone through a rewarding workout.

Your Deep Tissue Massage Therapist will mainly massage the affected individual muscle fibers of muscles in their contracted state. He or she will massage either in the direction of the muscle fibers or across them, depending on what’s needed to release the tension. When tension is released through Deep Tissue Massage, toxins may be released from the tissue back into the bloodstream. For this reason, any time you have a Deep Tissue Massage you should drink plenty of clean water afterwards.

Your massage therapist may ask you to perform specific guided breathing exercises in order to assist in the release of muscular tension and congestion.

You may feel sore after a deep tissue massage. Apply ice to the areas where deep work was performed. You should feel better in a day or two, however, if you become concerned, please give us a call.

Learn more about your first visit …

Call TODAY to schedule your Deep Tissue Massage

Ravenswood Chiropractic is located in Chicago at Foster and Ravenswood Ave. There is plentiful free street parking and evening and weekend appointments available. We have expertly skilled and experienced male and female massage therapists. 773.878.7330