Is Deep Tissue Or Remedial Massage Best For You
Everybody is different and requires a specific treatment depending on what issues are salient in their muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Deep tissue massage is best for people who want a whole-body experience and the therapeutic benefit of firm pressure. It is a strong and relaxing massage that helps release muscle tension and enhance recovery from physical exercise.
Remedial massage on the other hand is a targeted treatment that identifies specific issues in the body and then uses expert massage techniques to treat them. It is perfect for those with chronic pain or injuries that require specialist treatment.
Deep Tissue Massage Versus Neuromuscular Therapy
We get this question all the time: How is Neuromuscular Therapy different from Deep Tissue Massage? As the name suggests, Deep Tissue Massage is a form of massage that works the general muscle tissue, accessing deeper layers of tissue. The treatment is usually listed on a resort or day spa menu, and described as a massage that is deep in pressure, in comparison with a lighter Swedish Massage. This is not necessarily the case as there are many massage modalities that access deeper layers of tissue withough being deeper in pressure . Deep Tissue massages in a spa setting are usually full-body treatments with emphasis on a few bothersome areas, with relaxation of muscle being the goal. Deep Tissue massage also does not require any additional training or Certification from basic massage therapy education.
We also do not require gratuity for sessions the way that regular massage therapy offices or spas do. Even though we are licensed massage therapists, when it comes to payment we fall into the same category as physical therapy or a doctor . We would prefer that you use your money for the treatments you need, and not be concerned about service gratuity. If you insist on giving a gratuity, we will gratefully accept it, but it is by no means a requirement as a part of your treatment with us. Your therapy is our number one priority!
Will A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt
It shouldn’t hurt, but it’s likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a regular relaxation massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.
It’s important to drink a lot of water after a deep tissue massage to help flush lactic acid out of the tissues. If you don’t, you might be sore the next day. It’s possible that you might feel some soreness the day after a deep tissue massage even if you DO drink water. This just means a lot of waste products were flushed out of the tissues. It should pass within a day or so.
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Are There Side Effects To Deep Tissue Massage
The side effects of Deep Tissue Massage vary from person to person and it can even vary depending on whats going on in your body on the day you’re receiving a massage.
Typically, people may feel more muscle soreness for a day or two after the massage, especially if you’ve requested a strong massage. A Deep Tissue Massage shouldnt cause horrible pain and if it does you need to tell your therapist to use less pressure. However, if theyve been working your muscles, you will probably feel some soreness. Give your body time to recover.
What Body Part Should Be Avoided During Myofascial Release Techniques
There are many tools for performing a self-myofascial release, but when using a foam roller its important to only target dense areas of muscle tissue such as the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes. Areas to avoid using the foam roller include the abdomen, lower back, chest , and neck.
What 2 areas of your body should you avoid when foam rolling?
Avoid rolling directly on bones, joints and connective tissue. Cottle said one of the biggest mistakes people make is applying the foam roller directly to the IT Band, the connective tissue lining the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee to relieve tightness related to sore muscles or aching joints to alleviate .
What techniques are used for myofascial release?
These include Myofascial Release , Craniosacral Therapy, Rosen Method, Rolfing, Hellerwork, Soma, Neuromuscular Therapy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic. The manual therapies use the hands directly on the body-mind surface, stimulating the bio-electromagnetic force.
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What Is Sports Massage
Sports massage is a targeted approach to treating minor and chronic injuries. Sports massage therapists generally use a wide range of techniques to realign and loosen muscle fibres in individuals who experience sport-related tension. It can also be used to improve posture and condition an athletes body so they can perform their best.
The type of sports massage used will depend on the injury or the needs of the individual. Usually, sports massage will incorporate soft tissue massage, deep tissue massage, and whole-body massage along with physiotherapy techniques to assist in recovery and rehabilitation. Sports massage is often recommended for athletes or individuals who engage in regular physical activity and are prone to sport-related injury.
Schedule Your Massage Today
Whether you are an athlete, suffering from arthritis, or are pregnant, there are benefits to deep tissue massage therapy that can help you.
Learn more about the benefits of massage and other techniques to reduce pain and inflammation on our blog and today to book your first appointment and get on the road to wellness.
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What Is Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a technique that uses long strokes with just the right amount of pressure to provide a relaxing experience. Some may consider this method of relaxation the standard level of massage its meant to help you feel rejuvenated by the end of the session. You should feel calm and comfortable throughout your Swedish massage.
Neuromuscular Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage: Whats The Difference
Upon first glance it may seem like neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage are the same thing. That assumption could not be further from the truth. When you square up neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue massage, the minute differences start to stand out. While there are some shared similarities, these two therapeutic techniques are unique in their own ways. The stark contrasts that separate the treatments are not always obvious to most people. Our massage therapist wanted to clear the air and address the differences between these innovative massage therapies.
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What Is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
Deep tissue massage therapy isnt just a Swedish massage with deeper strokes or harder pressure. Deep tissue massages use firm pressure and slow stroked to massage deep layers of muscle and fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles.
Deep tissue massages are used to break up scar tissue and break down muscle adhesions . These knots can inhibit our circulation and cause pain and inflammation.
When the massage begins, your massage therapist usually starts with lighter pressure to warm up your muscles and then works into deeper pressure.
The common techniques used in deep tissue massage therapy include stripping, which is deep pressure that glides along the length of your muscle fibers and friction, which applies pressure across the grain of your muscle to break up adhesions and align tissue fibers.
What Is A Sports Massage
A sports massage, on the other hand, differs in it being more area-specific, focussing on larger and older knots that have built up over longer periods of time due to high training volume, trauma, muscle imbalance or poor biomechanics. The objective with sports massage is either to aid the recovery from injury, the prevention of injury, or to assist performance through helping boost power production and the range of motion.
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Are There Any Side Effects
Its not unusual to have some lingering soreness for a few days following a deep tissue massage. Using a heating pad or a cold pack wrapped in a towel may help to relieve soreness.
Though massage therapy is generally safe, deep tissue massage uses very firm pressure and may not be safe for everyone.
Speak to your doctor before having a deep tissue massage if you:
- have a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
- have a bleeding disorder
- have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation
Anyone with osteoporosis or cancer thats spread to the bones should avoid deep tissue massage as the firm pressure used may cause a fracture. You should also hold off on deep tissue massages if youre pregnant. Gentler types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option.
If you have an open wound or skin infection of any kind, youll need to reschedule to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.
If you want to try a deep tissue massage, its important to work with a qualified massage therapist.
To find a massage therapist:
- ask your doctor or physical therapist for a referral
- ask friends and family for a recommendation
- use the America Massage Therapy Associations database
As you sort through potential massage therapists, keep a few things in mind:
What Is The Difference Between Remedial And Deep Tissue Massage
There are so many different types of massage out there that when considering what kind of treatment is best for you it can become very confusing. Swedish massage, Thai massage, sports massage or hot stone treatments, there are many more types of massage out there than we can keep track of. So here is the difference between two of the more popular types of massage chosen by people who are looking to maximise the benefit of their treatments remedial and deep tissue massage.
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What Is Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is a type of complementary and alternative medicine practice that is often used to treat muscle pain, injury, and stiffness. Massage therapy has also been used for the treatment of mental and emotional problems, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
Also considered a relaxation technique, massage therapy may be able to help reduce tension and elicit feelings of calm and deep relaxation. Additionally, massage may be able to curb feelings of fear and anxiety and assist in managing other panic disorder symptoms.
CAM practices have grown in popularity and are often used in combination with more traditional medical practices. Some other common CAM practices include acupuncture, yoga, and aromatherapy.
The Difference Between Deep Tissue And Sports Massage
Massage therapy involves the use of touch and manipulation of soft tissues within the body to treat pain, relax the body, and prevent injury. There are several different types of massage therapy, each offering different benefits. However, two of the most common types of massage are deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy. Although both types of massage techniques are similar, choosing which one is best for you depends on your personal lifestyle, goals and needs.
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What Happens In A Swedish Massage
Swedish massage involves long, gliding strokes in combination with kneading and friction to release surface tension.
Swedish massage uses five basic strokes, which form the basis of many other types of massage therapy. The five basic strokes are:
- Effleurage: This massage movement involves long, gentle, rhythmic strokes across the skin. Besides being deeply relaxing, these strokes allow the massage therapist to feel the general muscle tone and identify any problem areas that need work.
- Friction: Friction strokes are short, fast strokes that create heat as the hands or fingers rub against the body. This heat promotes circulation in the area and eases tension.
- Petrissage: Petrissage uses a squeezing technique and lifts the muscle to help release tension.
- Vibration: Vibration is a stroke that involves rapid, superficial movements of the fingertips or palms. If the therapist performs it correctly, it can feel very relaxing for the entire body.
- Tapotement: Tapotement is a series of strikes to the body that helps relax a tense muscle. Many people are familiar with the âkarate chopâ massage technique, which is one form of tapotement.
Choosing The Right Service
If youre deciding between these two services, then there are a few questions to ask your massage therapist that may help you choose the best option:
- I used to play sports, but I havent in years. Which massage is best for relieving the tightness I still have from my time playing?
- Can I get a deep tissue massage that concentrates on one area, or do I have to get a sports massage for targeted areas?
- I experienced whiplash recently, should I get a sports massage session to heal the injury, or am I better suited for deep tissue?
Regular massage therapy and chiropractic care can help heal and repair sore and tired muscles and lower your likelihood of general muscle strains and sprains. Your massage therapist will be able to answer any questions you may have and help you determine the best treatment options for your specific issues.
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The Difference Between Remedial Deep Tissue And Relaxation Massage Comes Down To Pressure
The real point of difference between remedial or deep tissue massages is the amount of pressure thats applied. If you want a soothing experience that makes you drift into dreams of running through a field of dandelions, then a deep tissue session is usually not the first pick.
These sessions are designed to focus on the discomfort and utilise firm pressure from the knuckles and elbows to get out those nagging knots. In some cases, this might even be a little too intense for some, and not the go-to choice for just a relaxation and unwind experience.
However, deep tissue methods are highly effective in applying a full-body technique that targets trigger points. If youre trying to get relief from significant discomfort, then this treatment option is beneficial for doing just that. Beyond this, it can cater to dense layers of fascia and muscle the connecting tissue to the muscle group.
What its suitable for:
Who Shouldnt Get A Thai Massage
If you have very tight muscles, you might want to think twice about this kind of massage
As its meant to loosen up these muscles, if youre really stiff you could find it uncomfortable especially as it lasts so long.
That said, if you can tough it out, youre likely going to feel a lot better for it!
Additionally, if you have a lot of scar tissue or bruises should not get a Thai massage as it can be difficult for the therapist to find specific spots that can be treated without causing you discomfort.
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Helps With Labor And Delivery
Deep tissue massage can help women control their pain during labor. Even prior to labor, prenatal massages are a great way for women to relax and ease tight muscles due to pregnancy. The increases in cortisol also help women minimize depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain.
Some research has even suggested that women who received regular massages prior to and during labor had less pain than those who did not receive regular massages and found that their labors were shorter than women who did not regularly receive massages.
The Best Massage Techniques
A quality massage offers welcome physical relief from tension as well as some mental and emotional benefits. A massage may relieve chronic or temporary pain, including soreness and aches in the lower back and shoulders. Whats more, when performed by a professional, the entire experience can reduce stress and foster a sense of safety and wellbeing.
Two common massage techniques include hot stone and deep tissue with each method offering various benefits. Both are best administered by a professional, but aspects of each can also be performed at home, which allows users to glean some of the positive aspects. In order to avoid risk, its important to know how each massage works and their best practices.
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How To Perform Myofascial Release
What is the difference between myofascial release and massage? The real difference is how MFR is performed to target this connective tissue. Rather than just massaging into the muscles, MFR uses slow, steady pressure along with sustained stretching to gently soften these fascia over and through the muscles, releasing tension more effectively.
What Is A Relaxation Massage
If youre looking for a calming, soothing experience that releases tension and melts away stress, you should consider a relaxation massage.
The main goal with this approach is to leave you feeling you guessed it relaxed. During a relaxation massage, your RMT will typically use long, gentle strokes that create a nice overall flow for your body. If you need it, they can also use kneading or gentle chopping motions to target specific trigger points.
Relaxation massage prompts a physiological relaxation response in your body that causes your heart and breathing rate to slow, your blood pressure to decrease, your muscles to relax, and the production of stress hormones to decrease. Massage even stimulates your bodys production of serotonin, a chemical that causes general feelings of well-being and happiness.
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Is Sports Massage Only For Athletes
Not at all. Sports massage can be an appropriate form of massage therapy for a large number of patients not undertaking any form of consistent exercise. For instance, patients sitting at a desk for long periods of time, or those working on low work surfaces, will also require the somewhat more specific tissue selection in treatment approach associated with a sports massage.
How Therapeutic Massage Is Different From Relaxation Massage
The massage work in a therapeutic massage may feel deeper than a relaxation massage. You also may experience more tenderness as the therapist works through the tissue.
For that reason, its important to let your therapist know if the pressure feels too deep or uncomfortable, Segall advises. Dont be afraid to communicate.
The therapist may use various techniques during your treatment session. Depending on their training, they may incorporate deep-tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point work, various movement therapies or passive-resistive stretching techniques.
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