Deep Tissue Massage Benefits for Prolonged Sitting
Deep tissue massage can help relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and musculoskeletal discomfort…
Dec 17, 2020
With so many different types of massage therapy, it can be challenging to determine which one would be best suited to your needs. Traditional massages are geared toward relaxation and stress relief, while newer, more targeted techniques focus on treating specific trouble spots. Deep tissue massage and sports massage are two approaches commonly heard of in physiotherapy. These are recommended go-to therapies for those who are feeling achy after a game, sports training, or a workout. But which one should you go for?
Deep tissue massage is a type of manipulative therapy that involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach the deeper layers of muscles and fascia. It can affect your entire body or just one area. This technique helps in breaking up muscle ‘knots’ or adhesions that may cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation. It is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal issues associated with low back pain, stiff neck, upper back pain, sore shoulders, and leg muscle tightness.
At the beginning of a deep tissue physiotherapy massage, lighter pressure is applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. Then, the therapist will knead and stroke on problem areas using intense pressure. Receiving a deep tissue massage can enhance your range of motion, allowing the body to build muscles more efficiently during exercise. It can help stretch out tight, twisted muscles and facilitate injury recovery. It’s also a great stress reliever as it can boost levels of feel-good hormones.
There is a misconception that sports massage therapy is purely for professional athletes, but this is not the case. Although it was initially intended to relieve pain and prevent injuries in athletes, sports massage is now sought by gym-goers and even those seeking treatment for chronic low back pain. The primary focus of sports massage is to prevent and treat injuries resulting from specific activities. For instance, a person who regularly lifts weights might receive a sports massage that targets the upper back and arms.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage share some similarities, including locking and stretching the tissues and muscles, targeting trigger points to alleviate tension, and employing deep, slow kneading for fascial release. However, the latter is more commonly used in sports physiotherapy to enhance endurance and performance, reduce the risk of injury, and expedite recovery time after an injury. So, if you’re physically active, a sports massage approach may be helpful in keeping those muscles in their healthy condition.
When it comes to manual therapy, Dubai physiotherapists will most likely include sports massage or deep tissue massage in their care plans. If you’re interested in the healing powers of massage, you can rely on our expert physiotherapist to guide you in choosing the best type of treatment for your needs. Call +971 4 551 6126 and book an appointment today!