Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you ecperience is outside your comfort range.
There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: Chronic painLimited mobility
Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Postural problems
Ostearthritis pain
Fibromyalgia
Muscle tension or spasmAccording to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.
Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain.
People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.
It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.
immediately after surgery
immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures. don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
if it’s your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.
Created 04/04/06
Filed under: Health
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Neurobiologic Mechanisms in Manipulative Therapy: Proceedings. Ed by Irvin M. Korr. Workshop Held Oct 23-26, 1977:
My bad. I succumbed to the standard horse hoof joke… No horsie hooves in gelatin but skin, bones, and connective tissue are, and horsie connective tissue in glue.
Moo cow bones, moo cow skin, and pig hides, however… most common ingredients. FC nailed it, and in a much more humorous manner. Me, being in my Bill Nye/Mr. Wizard mode, just couldn't help myself. And instead of laughs, everybody, except us country kids, are gonna retch.
Very informative and well laid out presentation of the information related to conventional and complementary and alternative medicine related to the treatment of osteoarthritis! Thank you for exploring these many possible treatments of osteoarthritis, broadening the horizon of osteoarthtirtic treatment to include more attractive alternatives with no negative side effects. I look forward to future postings on your blog.
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today i got my first deep tissue massage…and it was a little painful. is it normal? i work on my feet all day and im stressed most of the time and my muscle are tense.
It's great to see this topic discussed since we hear so much about the physical benefits of exercise and not enough about the mental and emotional benefits of exercise. Can you imagine if a doctor began treatment plans for depression with an exercise prescription instead of a drug prescription? Unfortunately, this would never happen. Thanks to heavy TV advertising, patients suffering from depression expect to be treated with drugs like Paxil and Cymbalta and would probably complain if they walked out of the doctor's office without a prescription.
Easyglider steam iron touts new gripping method to prevent Repetitive Strain Injury
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While smart phones are becoming a way of life for staying in touch and doing business on the go, there are ways to get service much cheaper than what AT&T and Verizon are offering.
Right now the StraighTalk pre-paid Finesse, with touch screen, at Walmart is a great alternative to both the Blackberry and the iPhone and can be purchased and used for about half what it would cost to operate the better known brands.
A $45 unlimited plan with StraighTalk includes text, talk and 3G data. $30 will tap you at 1000 minutes. And, unbeknown to most, StraighTalk is carried by the Verizon network, which is ranked tops coverage by Consumer Reports Magazine. So you will get the same service!
My suggestion for better value in cell phone usage without waiting for the big companies to slash prices s taking a serious look at the great pre-paid plans now [...]
Walt,
i don't disagree with what you are getting at here, but statements like 'GOD is not god' silently scream out something else; 'Include the tools of inquiry in your inquiry!' The word dog does not bite. That is, world views are generally developed and share by means of language. what's my point?
Language ≠ experience
worldviews are expressed in language, they can't be expressed in experience because experience is beyond words.
Poincaré said (Science and Hypothesis) that; to say that 'the earth rotates' is nonsense. people thought he was nuts. he was saying that 'absolute space' is a nonsense concept. it is a convention that simplifies our word-modeling of dynamics but it puts in contradiction with our own views.
that is, our experience informs us that the universe is a ceaselessly innovatively unfolding spatial-relational flow, like the flow of the atmosphere, and the stars and planets are emergent features [...]
you should go to the emergency room or hospital & apply for charity,I got that for my surgery & physical therapy classes.
Mind the Repetitive strain injury. My index finger is getting pulped.
A Weekend Spa: The Cup Massage –