Here at Phoenix Health and Wellbeing head quarters in Leeds our brilliant massage therapists do a lot of deep tissue massage.  Sometimes it is just what people need but other times they would actually benefit more from a gentler approach.  This blog aims to explain deep tissue massage and when it is needed.

What is the difference between massage and deep tissue massage?

The structure of our muscles and connective tissue is complicated. Basically, we have muscles that sit close to the surface of our body and deeper muscles that operate underneath this outer layer.  Deep tissue massage uses specific techniques to access the deep muscle tissue and release tension and improve blood flow.  Therapists using deep tissue techniques may use their forearms or elbows to apply pressure to certain trigger points as well as using the strokes and kneading more commonly associated with Swedish massage.

Swedish massage or what we call relaxing massage, tends to work on the more superficial muscles. This technique uses long strokes to warm and stretch the muscles improving blood flow and drainage.  It is also very relaxing – hence the name!

What can deep tissue massage help with?

Generally speaking, muscle tension can be eased with deep tissue massage.  So how do you know that you have muscle tension?  Muscle tension usually presents as an ache, pain or stiffness in the area affected. For example. you may get a pain in the shoulder due to tension in the muscle tissues there.

BUT muscle tension in the back can also cause issues such as headaches, tingling in the arms or legs, shooting pains usually in the arms and legs and even issues like frozen shoulders.

Pain in your back can be due to structural issues with your discs and spine so always get any pain that lasts more than a few weeks checked out by your Doctor.

Deep tissue massage and back pain

A really interesting clinical study about the effectiveness of deep tissue massage was carried out in 2014 and published in the Scientific World Journal.  The researchers wanted to see whether 10 sessions of 30 minutes deep tissue massage for chronic lower back pain would have the same effects as taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or combining these drugs with massage. 

What they found was that massage alone “had a positive effect on reducing pain in patients with chronic low back pain.” Using NSAID and deep tissue massage also helped but to the same degree as this massage technique on its own.

If you have back pain and haven’t yet tried a deep tissue massage it really is worth seeing if this massage could relieve your symptoms.

What happens in a deep tissue massage?

Before your massage starts the therapist will want to know of any health issues that you have or any problem areas.  This is so that they can focus the massage treatment on the muscle groups that most need it.  It could be that you need a whole body treatment or perhaps a treatment focussed on your back, neck and shoulders.

You will be asked to undress and lie under towels. The therapist will then start warming your muscle tissue using lighter touch. When the muscles are warm they’ll start to use more pressure on your problem areas such as deep kneading or stroking with varying amounts of intense pressure.

Does it hurt?

I’m not going to lie to you! A good deep tissue massage will probably be uncomfortable to some degree especially in the areas where you have the most muscle tension.  The therapist uses very firm pressure, and it is not unusual to be a little sore for a few hours afterwards.

Can anyone have deep tissue massage?

This massage is generally safe but there are a few people who it may not be recommended for. Speak to your Doctor about having deep tissue massage if you have:

• A history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Are taking blood thinners
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Have cancer or are under ging cancer treatment
• Have osteoporosis
• Open wounds or a skin disorder

The bottom line

Deep tissue massage is a really beneficial treatment for people with certain forms of chronic muscle tension. However, if you have a low pain threshold or are looking for relaxing relief from tension then opt for a relaxing massage.  These can be very effective at reducing everyday tension and might be a better option.

Finding a therapist

Here at Phoenix we have three therapists who are skilled in deep tissue massage: Ali, Domini and Heather  You can see their bios by clicking the links on their names.  All three are experienced, members of a professional body, police checked and fully insured. 

Take a look at our deep tissue massage page for more information or to book this treatment. 

CURRENT OFFER 

For the month of July you can book a deep tissue massage and get 10% off the full price so you only pay £49.50 for a 50 minute treatment! Just book online and use the promo code DeepTissue10% at the check out. Or call 0113 234 0818 to book and quote the code.

Phoenix Health & Wellbeing is a Charity and social enterprise. We use the proceeds of your treatment to subsidise those who would not otherwise be able to access our therapies. Roughly £4 to every £10 spent with us will go to help others.

If you would like more information about Phoenix Health and Wellbeing click here . If you would like to know more about our other therapies click here.  For information on our charitable work follow this link or call us on 0113 234 0181

Opening times:

Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00

Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00

Sunday closed.