Deep Tissue Massages: The Answer to Muscle Knots & Soreness

When a normal massage for back pain or neck pain is just not doing enough, you may be a candidate for a deep tissue massage to help relieve your symptoms. Deep tissue therapy is not for everyone; it can be an intense process that may leave some bruises due to reaching deeper layers of tissue than a typical massage would. 

But if you suffer from long-lasting and severe muscle pain and stiffness, deep tissue therapy could be the answer. 

What Causes Muscle Pain and Stiffness?

Common causes of muscle pain and stiffness include recent exercise, inflammation, anxiety disorders, arthritis, and side effects of medications. There are many causes of muscle pain and stiffness, and most of the time a soft tissue massage can alleviate many symptoms. However, for severe, recurring muscle pain and stiffness, deep tissue massage is often recommended in order to reach muscles and connective tissue that are unaffected by a typical massage. 

Deep tissue massages will feel different than massages you may be used to, as the therapist will use slower movements and apply deeper pressure in order to relax the areas causing you pain.

This can cause some discomfort, and you should always be communicative about whether you are experiencing pain or feel uncomfortable in any way. 

How Do You Loosen Neck Muscles?

Neck tension can be caused by poor posture, stress, anxiety, inflammation, arthritis, exercise, or any other health issues. Loosening neck muscles is something that a deep tissue massage can definitely help with, however, if you are getting a massage for neck pain, you should consider the cause of your stiff neck muscles. Feel free to talk with your massage therapist, who may be able to advise you on how to fix the actual cause of your pain.

 It would not benefit you, for instance, to get a deep tissue massage for neck pain and then go back to your shift at an office job where your monitor is not at the correct height, causing you to have poor posture. If you notice repetitive pain, it is always beneficial to try to determine the root cause. 

How Do You Get Rid Of Muscle Knots?

Deep tissue therapy is also wonderful for getting rid of stubborn muscle knots that are not relieved by stretching or soft tissue massage. Deep muscle knots can be so intense and painful that they may even change the way a person walks! 

When you receive a deep tissue massage for back pain, the therapist is able to put pressure deep down to muscle tissue and connective tissue that may not be able to un-tense on its own. While it’s important to keep your expectations realistic (you will probably notice the bulk of the effects the next day), deep tissue therapy is quite effective at relieving muscle pain and stiffness. 

It may take several sessions to relax a lifetime’s worth of knots and stiffness.  

Deep Tissue Therapy

With deep tissue therapy, a massage therapist may use their knuckles, elbows, hands and forearms to apply pressure much more deeply than a normal soft tissue massage. Deep tissue therapy has been shown to help relieve symptoms of many different types of conditions, including pain that may cause poor posture, sciatica pain, osteoarthritis pain, lower back pain, sports injuries, and many more.

 Deep tissue therapy is not recommended for mild to moderate pain or discomfort and is usually only used when there is severe pain or stiffness that is difficult to treat. Before and after receiving a deep tissue massage, you should always drink plenty of water!  

Make An Appointment With Mantis Massage!

Mantis Massage specializes in deep tissue massage therapy, and we have an experienced staff that will make sure you are always comfortable. Even deep tissue massages should not be painful, although you may experience more pressure than you are accustomed to. 

Our deep tissue therapy specialists are the best in Austin and will help you to recover from stiffness, pain, and injury. Call to schedule your appointment with Mantis Massage today!