Deep tissue massage is a deep form of tissue manipulation, the pressure is beneficial in releasing very tight and chronic muscles. The focus of this kind of therapy is on the deepest layers of soft and connective tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients blood pressure fell after one single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additional to this, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Deep tissue massage is a tool I use on a daily basis at my Cardiff Clinic, and my North Wales Clinic is used in conjunction to the symptoms and problems that the clients come in with.
Deep tissue therapy usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:
- Low back pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls)
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutes, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back and other areas.
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Sciatica Pain
- Piriformis syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Upper back or neck pain