deep tissue massage therapy Archives - Soothe

Trigger Point Massages: What They Are & What You Need To Know

Rebecca — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:17:28 +0000

Ever wake up feeling tense in one particular spot? Chances are, that may be a trigger point, which causes localized pain in one particular area. You might be thinking you can just walk this pain off, but this may require a more focused solution. After consulting your physician, you might find that targeted relief is what you need to truly ease the pain.

At Soothe, we understand the importance of selecting the correct type of massage for your unique needs. That’s why we are breaking down what trigger point massages are, who they could benefit when it comes to pain relief, and what to expect from a trigger point massage session.

What is a Trigger Point Massage?

A trigger point massage is a specific form of massage therapy that is designed to reduce pain and discomfort by targeting specific areas of muscle tightness, also known as trigger points. Trigger points are hyper-irritable areas that can be extremely painful, leading to a decreased range of motion and muscle weakness. Common areas for trigger points include hips, neck, calves, shoulders, and lower back.

There are several possible explanations for how trigger points appear, as this is not a well studied area in the medical field, and it seems to present itself through multiple conditions. One looks at the overuse of muscles, or holding yourself in an uncomfortable position to strain those muscles for too long. Stress is another possibility for trigger points to develop where muscles tighten.

Trigger point massages focus on increasing blood circulation to an area. This is done by applying pressure to a localized area to release that tension. It pushes fresh blood in, delivering more oxygen to that area to get the muscles to release. This pressure is applied for 30-90 seconds, and once it is released, the massage therapist will massage the area with long, light strokes to flush it out. This method can be commonly applied in deep tissue massages and myofascial releases.

Benefits of a Trigger Point Massage

Those who are looking for a trigger point massage typically have some sort of pain that they want to relieve. The type of massage is less focused on overall relaxation like a Swedish massage would be, but more on the release of specific tension points on the body.

Here are some conditions that may benefit from a trigger point massage:

Headaches & migraines
Sciatica
Tennis elbow (or Pickleball Elbow!)
Chronic muscle tension or stiffness
Plantar fasciitis
Back/neck/shoulder pain

Relieving yourself of your pain is the primary goal, but you can also benefit from this type of massage as a compliment to other treatments, such as physical therapy when permitted by your medical team. While this cannot cure chronic conditions, it can help alleviate any excessive pain for the time being, improving your quality of life.

What to Expect During a Trigger Point Massage Session

Before your trigger point massage, go through your regular process of preparing for a massage. This could be done unclothed or fully clothed. In the case of being fully clothed, choose light and comfortable clothes with access to the parts of your body that will be worked on during the session. When in doubt, contact your therapist with any questions before the session begins.

To begin a trigger point massage session, you will have a consultation with your massage therapist, giving them the history of your pain. From there, the therapist will be able to identify what areas they need to put focused pressure on your body. You will be asked to either sit or lie down depending on where these areas are. These trigger points will be pressed on steadily for 30-90 seconds. After that, these areas will be lightly massaged with long strokes to relieve the tension. This will be repeated throughout the entire session until the pain dissipates.

During your session, your therapist will likely check on you to ensure that you are tolerating the pain that occurs from the pressure on the trigger points. Advocate for yourself where possible too, as one area could be more sensitive than another. Adjustments will be made for your comfort, as there is a balance between targeted pressure and your personal tolerance levels. Open dialogue allows for an ideal customized experience that maximizes your relief without causing too much discomfort.

The areas that received this pressure may feel tender for the next 24 hours after the massage. Practice effective aftercare by taking it easy, hydrating, and then resting afterward.

Soothe Can Help

Are you ready to experience a deeper massage that will allow you to relax? Soothe offers deep tissue massages at this time that can help you relax and work out those trigger points on your body. Reclaim your comfort and quality of life by booking an appointment with Soothe today.

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Deep Tissue Massage: What Is It, Benefits, And Everything You Should Know

Graeme Morrell — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:06:50 +0000

When it comes to the most popular massage types in the world, deep tissue massage is one that ranks among the top. In this article, you’ll learn what a deep tissue massage is, and how the techniques used by massage therapists can benefit you.

What Is A Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that’s commonly used to treat musculoskeletal problems, this could include both strains and injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This can help break up scar tissue that forms from injuries and reduce tension in muscles and tissues.

It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What Does A Deep Tissue Massage Feel Like?

For any of you who are experiencing pain, soreness, or tight muscles, a deep tissue massage can feel great as it can provide relief from what you’re feeling.

It’s important to know that it isn’t unusual to feel a degree of discomfort during the massage itself. The whole point of this treatment is to break up muscle tension, adhesions, and scar tissue that often lie in deeper musculature, so your therapist will likely apply a lot of pressure. However, you should let them know if this becomes too uncomfortable. Expect to be asked to breathe deeply when the person treating you is working on especially tense or deep areas of your muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage Benefits And Studies

Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques focusing on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help you unwind mentally, too.

A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce discomfort in people with chronic lower back pain. The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).

People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:

sports injuries
fibromyalgia
plantar fasciitis
high blood pressure
sciatica
tennis elbow

A deep tissue massage may improve circulation, reduce minor aches and pain, increase range of motion, and ease inflammation. One study by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that deep tissue massage helped to lower blood pressure after just one massage session.

One of the most common deep tissue massage therapy benefits is pain reduction. According to a 2014 study in PLOS One, individuals with this condition sometimes experience “beneficial immediate effects” regarding their levels of pain, oftentimes within just five weeks of massage therapy.

This specific massage can also help with injuries, including damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Scar tissue forms when an area of the body is injured and then heals. While you can have scars on the outside, you can also have them deep inside your body. Deep tissue massage can target this type of scarring and make it easier to move, promoting a greater range of motion.

Just a few years ago, there was a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This study looked at 27 men who had been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, or AS.

The Spondylitis Association of America explains that AS is a condition characterized by inflammation in the spine, which can eventually lead to a new bone formation in which certain sections of the spine “fuse in a fixed, immobile position.”

For those group members who underwent deep tissue massage, they ended up showing a significantly greater reduction in the severity of their AS when compared to those receiving traditional massage. They also showed a greater reduction in pain.

Studies have also shown that deep tissue massage can be effective for old injuries and rehabilitation. If you’re experincing soreness, aches, and pains, you may want to speak with a massage therapist about working deep tissue massage into your next visit. You can book a deep tissue massage here.

What Happens During Deep Tissue Massage Treatment?

As with most massage therapy sessions, the massage therapist will want to know more about your problem areas and the problems you’re experiencing. Make sure you are open and honest with them. Let them know everything that you feel and what type of result you’re looking to obtain. This will ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Once you’re ready to get your massage, you’ll be asked to lie on your back or stomach under a sheet. Your level of undress is based on your comfort, but the area being worked on must be exposed for the best possible results.

The massage therapist will warm up your muscles using a lighter touch to start. Your deep tissue sessions will be gentle to begin with. It can cover a broad area in the beginning, and then focus on the specific muscles or regions that need work. Everyone has different pain tolerance levels, so it’s possible that deep tissue massage may cause discomfort or even be a little painful. Make sure you talk to your massage therapist about the pressure being applied. If your massage gets painful, let your therapist know.

If the massage techniques are too gentle, it’s possible that the work being done will not be effective at breaking up muscle knots. On the other hand, too much pressure or extreme discomfort takes away from the benefits the massage provides. Again, this is why you want to be open and vocal with your therapist and let them know exactly how you’re feeling.

Feeling some pain or soreness a few days after your deep tissue massage is normal. Don’t be alarmed by that. Deep muscle stripping and myofascial release (MFR) may create some bruising or leave you feeling sore, but joint stretches performed during a deep tissue session should not cause pain in the days afterward.

Swedish Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage

Two of the most popular massage types are Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, which are often compared to one another. While many professionals say there’s overlap between Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, the biggest difference is the depth of pressure being used. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose what type of massage is right for you. You can also chat with your massage therapist to help you decide.

Swedish massage

Appropriate for someone experiencing stress and anxiety
Great for someone wanting to relax and unwind
Good for someone brand new to professional massage
Good choice for someone who has a low tolerance

Deep tissue massage

Appropriate for someone experiencing pain
Good for those who experience prolonged muscle stiffness
Anyone seeking pain relief
Good for someone trying to recover from a past injury

Does Soothe offer deep tissue massage?

Absolutely! Deep tissue massage therapy is one of our most popular offerings. You can easily book a deep tissue massage with Soothe. Book a Soothe massage now to try it out!

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