

The study involved 263 volunteers with an average age of 48.5. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that deep tissue massage had positive effects on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure readings in adults with pain and high blood pressure symptoms. ( Gua sha therapy has also been found to help with lower back pain.) 2. A 2014 study published in the Scientific World Journal even found that DTM treatment alone had just as much of a positive effect on reducing pain in people with chronic symptoms compared to massage and NSAID painkillers used together.Ī 2017 study found that various types of massage, including deep tissue, also seem to have clinical benefits for treating ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Other studies have show similar findings. In this particular study, published in Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, therapeutic massage included techniques of tapping and friction, while DTM used “oblique pressure and a combination of lengthening and cross-fiber strokes.” All sessions were 30 minutes long and performed daily for 10days.Īll participants did not receive any other treatments during the course of the study. One study that compared the effectiveness of two different kinds of massages for treating chronic back pain, therapeutic massage versus deep tissue massage (DTM), found that DTM treatment over the course of 10 days resulted in significantly better improvements in pain compared to therapeutic massage. What are the benefits of deep tissue massage? Below are some of the health conditions that this type of massage can help treat: 1. In the West, deep tissue massage began to gain attention during the mid-19th century, starting in Canada and making its way throughout the U.S. Pressure massages were used to improve “ Qi” (life force or energy), detox the body and promote better liver function - which today can be explained through the process of activating the lymphatic system.Įxperts believe that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use very firm, deep pressure to treat chronic pain. Manipulative approaches to naturally treating pain and other health problems have been utilized for over 3,000 years, dating back to Ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. These involve physical treatment primarily to neuromusculoskeletal systems to treat pain and disability, improve muscle recovery and joint mobilization, and prevent injuries. Many people consider “sports massages” to be a form of deep tissue massage. Certain areas of the body that tend to tense up in times of stress, including the shoulders, neck and hips, can often benefit the most from this type of deep manipulation. Most deep tissue massages focus on major muscle groups - such as the neck or lower back - along with joints and tendons that are susceptible to straining or injuries. The purpose is to reach these layers in order to relax, lengthen and release harmful holding patterns.Ĭompared to other popular types of massage techniques - including Swedish massage or acupressure, which tend to be lighter in pressure and can involve moving the body into certain positions - deep tissue massage is usually performed more slowly and firmly. What Is Deep Tissue Massage?ĭeep tissue massage, as defined by a 2018 article in the Journal of Bodywork And Movement Therapies, involves manipulation of the deep layers of muscle tissue in the body, including the fascia and other supportive tissue that make up joints. Let’s explore what, exactly, deep tissue massage is and all the ways it can benefit your body and mind. Not only is this type of massages relaxing - studies show they also help “lengthen and release muscles” that frequently feel tense and get stuck in uncomfortable holding patterns. And today, research continues to show that whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, massage therapy is an effective way to help treat common conditions like arthritis, anxiety and chronic lower back pain.ĭeep tissue massage benefits include reducing pain and discomfort, while improving the body’s ability to heal itself. Massages have been utilized for thousands of years throughout the world to lower both physical and psychological stress. Whether you’re an athlete with a daily high demand placed on your body or recovering from an injury or illness, deep tissue massage likely has some benefits to offer you. What to Expect and How It Compares to Other Massage.
