A Practical Guide to Preparing for Your Deep Tissue Massage
 

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is used to relieve tension in deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues; it should not be confused with other forms of massage like Swedish or hot stone massages. It applies pressure on specific points on the body, which should feel extremely painful at first but relieves muscular aches and pains upon release. If you are planning to get a deep tissue massage, make sure that your therapist knows what he/she is doing before agreeing to any service. This type of massage can be quite dangerous if done incorrectly due to its intensity level, so ensure that you are in good hands.

 

What Are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is used to relieve tension in deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues, making it a very beneficial form of therapy for people who suffer from tightness or frequent pains caused by stress or an active lifestyle. It can also help release toxins lingering in your body after an injury, which reduces inflammation, muscle spasms, and other pain symptoms. While this kind of massage may be uncomfortable at times due to its intensity levels, it should improve your overall health over time if done regularly.

 

What To Expect During Your Session

According to studies conducted by massage therapists, deep tissue massages produce a significant decrease in cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which explains why it's so good for relieving stress. If you are worried that getting a deep tissue massage will be too painful/intense for you, here are some things that might help:

 

• Bring Something to Relieve Stress

Having trouble sleeping due to back pains? Having little free time because of your busy schedule? Well, dreading the next few hours until you get home because of work related stress-tension? You can bring something to take your mind off what might happen during your upcoming session by bringing a book or smartphone to listen to music while waiting for the treatment to begin. This way, you can relax even before your therapist starts applying any pressure on your body. Plus, this adds an element of fun into the whole experience.

 

• Prepare for Intense Pressure

Deep tissue massage is known to be very painful due to the precise way in which it targets specific points on your body, so you might want to prepare yourself mentally before getting one done. Most therapists use oils or lotions during the treatment to help their hands glide smoothly along your body while minimizing friction and reducing discomfort. The only thing that you have to do before your session begins is let them know if there are any areas on your back that feel tense or uncomfortable, including knots. Also, ask about the type of oil that they are using if this information wasn't provided beforehand since not all types of oil are suitable for everyone's skin type.

 

• Wear Loose Clothing

Prefer wearing loose clothes to help you feel more comfortable during your massage session? Well, this is highly recommended during deep tissue massage. This allows the therapist to target all areas on your back without any difficulty since there are no restrictions caused by tight clothing.

 

• Respond Appropriately

Since deep tissue massages have a high-intensity level, many people may be tempted to yell or scream in response to the pain that they feel towards the later part of their treatment. However, if you are thinking about doing that then maybe consider changing your mind. Your therapist will not stop applying pressure even if you tell him/her because it's their job, so instead of letting out loud screams just silently deal with it. Simply think of relaxing your body and mind, taking deep breaths will help a lot during this time.

 

• Do Your Research First

If you are thinking about getting a deep tissue massage done for the first time, then maybe consider doing some research beforehand. This way, you will have an idea about what to expect from the treatment based on other people's experiences or recommendations from friends and family members. You can also read up on their health conditions so that they'd know exactly where to target specific areas of your back to get them treated with maximum effectiveness. Doing this will not only reduce discomfort but it can be considered as part of the preparation for a deep tissue massage session too!

 

What To Bring For Your Session

Wearing loose clothing is highly recommended during deep tissue massage. This allows your therapist to target all areas on your back without any difficulty since there are no restrictions caused by tight clothing.

 

Since deep tissue massages have a high-intensity level, many people may be tempted to yell or scream in response to the pain that they feel towards the later part of their treatment. However, if you are thinking about doing that then maybe consider changing your mind. Your therapist will not stop applying pressure even if you tell him/her because it's their job, so instead of letting out loud screams just silently deal with it. Simply think of relaxing your body and mind, taking deep breaths will help a lot during this time.