Deep Tissue Massage & Effects

Anyone who has ever treated himself to a total body massage knows the positive effect this form of therapy has on the body. However, massage isn't a "one size fits all" treatment. In fact, according to Bill Naylor, a licensed massage therapist, "deep-tissue work can mean different things to different people, but generally this type of bodywork is oriented toward a specific goal, requiring sensitive hands that are guided by extensive knowledge of the muscular-skeletal anatomy."

Stress and Tension Relief

• "People who display chronic patterns of stress or tension that are being expressed in muscle pain are ideal candidates for deep-tissue massage," states Bill Naylor, LMT. The application of deep pressure along the grain of the muscle, using long stroking techniques, encourages the release of muscle tension or spasm.

Relief From Pain

• Stiff neck pain benefits from deep-tissue massage.

  During deep-massage therapy, the therapist applies pressure using fingertips, knuckles, elbows and forearms in the painful area, which increases blood circulation to the tissue. Increased blood flow encourages the release of toxins like lactic acid, which is a contributor to muscle pain and soreness.

Improved Range of Motion

• Deep-tissue therapy also has the benefit of breaking up scar tissue that is a result of an injury or a surgical procedure. This helps the body return to normal function and increases the range of motion.

Mood Elevation

• Deep-tissue massage improves your mood.

  A study conducted in 2008 and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that massage decreased the pain and improved the mood of patients suffering from cancer. Bill Naylor, LMT, also lists mood elevation as one of the top four benefits of deep-tissue massage. In Bill's opinion, "the touch of an experienced massage therapist can enable a client to hear the body's whispering, before it has to start screaming."