Deep Tissue Massage

The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Soothes Chronic Pain

Deep tissue massage can offer some much-needed relief to those who suffer from chronic pain. The powerful massage technique uses firm pressure to break up tense muscle knots and smooth out the tissue and fascia around them, allowing your muscles to heal faster. The immediate response will be soreness, but within 2-3 days, you should feel immense relief and increased flexibility surrounding the area. Many of our clients have returned to activities that they had previously put on hold after just a few treatments!

Heals Sports Injuries

Injuries to your muscle layer can cause a build-up of scar tissue and bands of rigid tissue called muscle adhesions. Deep tissue massage breaks up those adhesions, allowing the muscles to relax and heal. If left untreated, scar tissue and adhesions can cause disruptions in blood circulation, cause general aches and pains, and increase inflammation. 

Relieve Anxiety

The prolonged discomfort of chronic pain can take a toll on both physical and mental health, causing high-stress levels. Booking an appointment for a deep tissue massage not only helps heal your injuries and reduce your pain, but it can also help improve your overall wellbeing. A massage session also provides you with relaxing time to yourself in our tranquil clinic.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

How the Treatment Works

Treating the deeper soft tissues that are causing you pain creates a better opportunity for your muscles to repair themselves. Deep tissue massage uses slow and firm pressure to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, known as fascia. The stronger force is more effective in breaking up and smoothing out the tense tissues. 

During the Appointment

A deep tissue massage appointment can range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your preference. Deep tissue massage sessions use strong pressure to penetrate deep muscle tension, but your comfort is always the priority. If you feel uncomfortable at any time during the treatment, we ask that you let us know so we can adjust the pressure.

*A key difference to note is that a proper deep tissue massage should still allow you to breath through the discomfort as your registered massage therapist skillfully sinks through the tissue layers. Applying too much pressure too quickly can have adverse affects on your treatment and can lead to bruising.

Long-Lasting Relief

The deeper the massage pressure reaches, the more effective the muscle healing process will be. Gentler, surface massage can feel good and relaxing, but if you’re seeking pain relief from stiff muscles, then deep tissue massage is the treatment you need. Deep tissue massage also stimulates your blood flow and circulation, which helps to provide additional support to the healing process.  

Deep Tissue Massage in St. Albert

Better Workouts

If you lead an active lifestyle, work out regularly at the gym, or participate in physical exercise more than four times a week, deep tissue massage can help support your hard-working muscles. Scheduling a deep tissue massage every 2-3 weeks will help relax your muscles and help your muscles repair so you can push harder the next time you work out. 

Better Sleep

Regular exercise can help you sleep better, but tight, sore muscles can be counter-productive. Massage therapy helps release hormones that are responsible for decreasing stress, balancing your mood, and improving your sleep. When your muscles hurt less, your workouts go smoother, and your overall body feels more relaxed, you’ll find you will sleep better. 

Improve Overall Health

Deep tissue massage is the recommended treatment for tired, aching muscles, but massage also has several bonus benefits. Helping you sleep better is just one of them. Massage therapy can also stimulate your blood flow, efficiently delivering oxygen to your muscles. It also enables the lymph system, which boosts both your energy and immune system. 

What You Should Know Before You Book an Appointment

Methods

With deep tissue massage, your registered massage therapist will start out with slow, gentle massage strokes, gradually increasing the pressure. Once your body has warmed up, they will apply sustained pressure to your muscles by using slow, deep strokes to permeate the lower layers of the muscle and fascia. 

Timing

It takes time for deep tissue massage techniques to reach and soothe your deep tissues. For this therapy to be effective, a deep tissue massage appointment should be a little longer than other types of massage. We recommend a minimum of 60 minutes to 90 minutes biweekly to feel the full healing effects to support your workouts. 

Hydrate

Deep tissue massage penetrates the deep layers of your muscles and connective tissues. Because of this deep manipulation of your tissue and the duration of a typical session, your body will become dehydrated during your massage session. We recommend drinking plenty of water leading up to your appointment and afterward. 

Safety and Risks

Deep tissue massage is safe for most people, but if you have heightened sensitivity to pressure on your skin and muscles, then you might want to try another massage therapy or ask us for recommendations. In general, we advise that you avoid massage if you have an open wound, a broken or fractured bone, are taking blood-thinning medications, or have other sensitive skin conditions. 

Deep Tissue Massage FAQs 

How painful is deep tissue massage?
Like other massage therapies, deep tissue massage should not cause you pain. You should expect some tolerable discomfort because this means your registered massage therapist is reaching the correct portion of your tissues. This sensation is often described as “good hurt.” If you experience any sharp pain during your appointment, please let your massage therapist know immediately so they can shift their technique. 

How long does deep tissue massage take?
Ideally, a deep tissue massage session can take between 60 and 90 minutes. Your registered massage therapist requires enough time to reach and soothe the deep layer of your fascia connective tissue and your inner muscle. 

How much rest do I need after a deep tissue massage?
It’s essential to allow your muscles to rest, heal, and repair after a deep tissue massage appointment. We recommend resting for a minimum of 12 hours before your next workout session or completing any strenuous tasks, such as lifting heavy objects or shoveling snow. 

Enjoy the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

If you want to boost your regular workouts, build muscle faster, or relieve chronic pain, then deep tissue massage is the treatment you need. Deep tissue massage can deliver deep relaxation and pain relief for tired, overworked muscles. Try scheduling bi-weekly appointments for a noticeable difference in your training or to create a treatment plan that can heal injuries new and old.