5 Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
1. Eases Muscle Tension and Reduces Stress
Tense muscles and chronic high levels of stress can really affect the quality of your health often leading to weakened immune system, increased risk of strain or sprain muscle or spine injuries, decreased sleep quality and even cardiovascular problems. Studies indicate massage therapy can help lower cortisol levels and even boost production of oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes and soothes your body. (1)
Deep Tissue Massage works by several different stress relieving mechanisms including it’s ability to dilate blood vessels (enlarge to decrease pressure on vessel walls), and decreases activity of the hypothalamus, which controls the autonomic nervous system regulation and cortisol release. Therapeutic massage has been shown to boost the parasympathetic nervous system, “rest and digest”, while turning off the sympathetic system, “fight or flight” system. (2)
2. Back Pain Relief
A study published in Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, compared two different massage techniques for treating chronic back pain, deep tissue massage versus therapeutic massage. They discovered that deep tissue treatment over a period of ten days resulted in significant decrease in back pain compared to therapeutic massage. (3)
Similar findings by a 2014 study published in the Scientific World Journal found that massage treatment alone had just as much of a benefit on pain relief in patients with chronic symptoms compared to massage and NSAID painkillers used together (4) Massage can be part of a back pain management plan to ease pain without using addictive pain pills.
3. Injury Rehabilitation
Deep tissue massages can aid injury rehab by breaking up recently formed scar tissue which can lead to stiffness and a slow recovery. Therapeutic massage can also help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation by releasing trigger points, and increasing blood flow which brings oxygen to the injured areas. After an injury, especially auto accident injuries, the stress and inflammation of the muscles prevents good blood flow from reaching the damages body parts. This can stop oxygen and nutrients from helping to heal the area, leading to toxin buildup and more swelling and pressure on the nerves. (5)
4. Sports Performance
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness reported research findings of a positive trend for sports massage for improved performances and recovery after workouts. The most beneficial type of deep tissue massage for athletes is sports massage, which is typically done before a sporting event or workout to help warm up the muscles and prevent injuries or right after a competition to speed up recovery. Releasing muscle adhesions improve range of motion and reduces injury risk. (6)
5. Improved Posture
Therapeutic massage allows our bodies to self correct poor postures and movements by stimulating healing and blood flow to the tight, affected muscles. Poor sitting or sleeping postures can often tighten and shorten muscles causing strain and even restricting the joint motions. Consistent regular massage loosens muscles and can make joint motions more fluid helping to prevent injury. (7)
Dr. Eric, a chiropractor near FSU, is also a highly skilled massage therapist with more than 11 years of experience treating all types of clients. He, and Lini, LMT, have giving back to make Tallahassee a healthier city by offering massage at:
- FSU Student Massages – Free at Oglsby Union- FSU – Florida State University
- TMH Northeast Emergency Room
- Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day Race
For more information about Pragle Chiropractic And Massage Therapy, please visit www.praglechiro.com or call 850 508 5951 to book your free consult with Dr. Eric.