Most massage therapy clinics in Brampton provide deep-tissue massage as a part of their services. It is quite similar to Swedish massage. Yet, both are different. Deep tissue massage is perfect for those with high pain tolerance levels. The techniques involve deeper pressure as compared to other massage therapies. The high-intensity pressure helps break muscle knots, muscle adhesions and scar tissues, thereby bringing relief.
This massage technique is slow and deep. It targets the inner, deeper layers of your connective tissue and muscles. However, it might not be for everyone. So, it is best to talk to a licensed massage therapist to know if it is the right treatment for you.
How Deep Tissue Massage Helps You?
There are both psychological and physiological benefits of a deep tissue massage. Though involves high-intensity strokes, it also promotes mental relaxation. It is however primarily used to reduce muscle pain and stiffness.
Here are some other conditions commonly treated with deep tissue massage:
- Back pain
- High blood pressure
- Sports injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Plantar fasciitis
This massage therapy may also help with chronic constipation or abnormal respiratory function. Regular sessions with your therapist can also reduce symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety.
What to Expect During the Sessions?
The massage therapist guides you through the process to ensure that you are comfortable before the session begins. The sessions start with you lying on your side or front on a massage table. The therapist instructs you according to the area that needs the massage.
They then use light pressure to warm up the muscles. Once that’s done, they start with slow strokes followed by deep pressure using arms, elbows and hands on the area of concern. Every stroke helps release tension from the muscles and tissues.
What are the Techniques Involved?
Other massage therapy techniques target the superficial body organs. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, focuses on the deep, sub-layers of the muscles. Here are the most common techniques massage therapists use to bring relief to their patients.
Petrissage- The technique involves rolling, lifting, squeezing and pressing the skin with hands. It improves blood flow and relaxes the damaged soft tissue.
Effleurage- The technique involves pressing the affected areas rhythmically. It boosts blood flow, removes toxins from the body and stretches soft tissues.
Trigger point- It targets the tender muscles and tissues underneath your skin. This technique corrects muscular imbalances in your body.
Myofascial– The fascia helps connect organs, muscles and skeletal structures of the body. This technique involves applying pressure and stretching the fascia to relieve pain and release its limitations.
The techniques are somewhat similar to the ones involved in Swedish massage therapy. However, deep tissue massage involves less rhythmic pressure and penetrates the sub-layers of muscles.
How is it Compared With Swedish Massage Therapy?
| Point of Difference | Swedish Massage Therapy | Deep Tissue Massage |
| Benefits | Reduces muscle tension and relaxes the mind | Treats sports injuries, muscle pain and chronic pain |
| Pressure | A gentler form of massage. Involves the use of fingers and palms. | High-intensity form of massage. Involves the use of fingers, palms, elbows and forearms. |
| Target areas | The superficial layers that hold the maximum amount of tension, such as the shoulders, back and neck. | The deep, sub-layers of your major muscle groups and joints. |
Looking for a Massage Therapist in Brampton?
If you are in Brampton and looking for a massage therapist, Physiotherapy First is your place to be. We have experienced massage therapists who have expertise in specific techniques including deep-tissue massage. From back pain to headaches, massage therapy can help treat a wide slew of chronic pain problems.
