What is Medical Massage Therapy?
What is a medical massage? How can I benefit from it? A medical massage is a form of therapy that focuses on the treatment of specific body parts that exhibits symptoms like muscle pain, stiff neck, and other condition-related pains. The treatment is carried out by a massage therapist. There are many forms of medical massages, but there is no one method that can classify medical-massage. If you are interested in medical massage therapy, schedule an appointment at your nearest practice.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is a form of medical massage therapy that primarily focus on the realignment of muscle layers and the connecting tissue. It is effective against chronic pain such as; lower-back pain, stiff neck, and a sore shoulder. Some strokes involved in deep tissue massage technique is similar to the strokes typically used in classic therapy. The difference is pace. In deep tissue massage, the strokes are slower, with more pressure applied to the affected areas. This method is also used for the rehabilitation of muscles from injury.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
Here are the types of medical conditions that deep tissue massage is potentially beneficial:
- Lower back pain
- Stiff neck
- Sore shoulder
- Limited movement
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (from the repetitive strain)
- Helps improve posture
- Injury recovery
- Upper back pain
- Muscle tension
- Pain caused by osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
According to many people with osteoarthritis, relief from deep tissue massage is more effective than other methods such as; prescription drugs, exercise, chiropractic, or even physical therapy. People reported a noticeable change in mobility right after a massage therapist performs deep tissue massage.
Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
When chronic pain is present, it means that there is a portion of rigid tissue in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Adhesions are formed and usually blocks the natural circulation, leading to inflammation and limited mobility. During the session, a patient may feel pain especially when pressure is applied to the affected area. It is important to inform your massage therapist when you experience pain, so, your massage therapist can adjust the pressure applied. It is normal to feel pain or soreness after the session. A massage therapist will recommend applying ice in the affected areas. The discomfort usually subsides within the same day.
How Does a Massage Therapist Perform Deep Tissue Massage?
Massage therapists utilize a wide variety of techniques in the application of the method. A massage therapist may use different stroking techniques using their fingertips, hand, knuckles, elbows, or forearms, depending on the area of the body where they work on. The purpose is to break down the adhesions to improve circulation, relieving tension, pain, and restore normal movements.
2 Most Common Techniques Used in Deep Tissue Massage
- Stripping Technique – Stripping is a technique that focuses on deep, gliding pressure using the elbow, knuckle, thumb, and forearm to help relax the muscle fibers.
- Friction Technique – Friction is a technique to apply pressure on adhesions to breakdown the lumps, and gradually realign the tissue fibers.
Your massage therapist will also advise you to drink plenty of water after the session. Water intake may help discharge the metabolic waste from the adhesions, broken by the method.
Are There Risks Involved in Deep Tissue Massage?
Before you decide to schedule an appointment to have deep tissue massage, it is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor first. Several adverse effects may trigger complications as a result of deep tissue therapy. Side effects differ from one person to another; however, certain health conditions have a similar side effect from deep tissue therapy. To name one example – blood clot. There is an increased chance of dislodging the blood clot, which may lead to other undesired complications.
Recent surgery is another factor to consider. It is not advisable for people who had recent surgery to undergo sessions that involve pressure. If you are also under chemotherapy or any other form of radiation, it is best to stay away from deep tissue therapy. People living with osteoporosis also have an increased risk of developing complications from this type of massage.
Conclusion
Medical massage therapy has its benefits that are most advantageous to certain people. If their medical condition requires the aid of medical massage therapy, then they should schedule a session. However, for some people that have medical conditions that may get aggravated because of the therapy, then it is highly recommended for them to talk to their doctors instead, for alternate solutions.
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