If you have never experienced a deep tissue massage, you might expect from the name that it would essentially be a more intense version of a Swedish massage. However, these two common massage modalities aren’t the same thing. When you are experiencing a proper instance of deep tissue massage therapy, you’ll discover that it is more about getting rid of knots and muscle tension.
In other words, when considering Swedish vs. deep tissue massage, you might say the former is about relaxation and the latter relief.
What Is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?
You may sometimes hear the term deep tissue massage therapy. That is because, often, this modality is used to target specific problem areas—rather than getting a massage to loosen your muscles more generally.
As the name implies, a deep tissue treatment is a massage that treats soreness with slow, firm pressure. Rather than helping you relax, the massage therapist focuses on getting deep into your muscles and finding the problem spots where you’re experiencing the most pain and stiffness.
While a particular session may concentrate on a specific area, you can achieve deep tissue massage benefits anywhere in the body. For example, getting a massage focused on deep penetration into your back muscles can be very effective. It is especially helpful if you have suffered an injury of some kind or have long-term knots that have formed. One goal of deep tissue massage sessions is to break up the scar tissue that causes knots in your back with slow, deep strokes. A deep tissue massage can take longer than a Swedish massage, but the results are worth it.
What Should You Expect From a Deep Tissue Massage?
As noted above, this massage modality focuses on getting deep into tissues. It is normal to experience a little pain and discomfort in a deep tissue massage, particularly during your first session. That is because the slow, deep movements are breaking up what are called adhesions, which are formations that cause stiffness in your muscles. And, of course, disturbing tissue inevitably gets the attention of your body’s pain sensors.
However, with deep tissue massage, the end justifies the means.
When left unaddressed, adhesions can lead to inflammation and reduce the range of motion in the affected area. So, some temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for restoring flexibility. However, “temporary” is key. If you experience discomfort for longer than a few days, you should seek assistance. That is not normal with deep tissue massage treatments, and it may be an indicator that there are other issues that require evaluation.
But don’t let the thought of discomfort dissuade you from trying deep tissue massage if you have problems it can address. After a few sessions, people know what to expect and actually start eagerly anticipating the release and relief that this modality provides!
Are There Deep Tissue Massage Chairs?
Advanced massage chairs typically can deliver multiple massage modalities—deep tissue massage often being one of them. So, in that sense, there are deep tissue massage chairs. Which is the best massage chair for deep tissue work? That depends on several factors, which our Comfort Consultants can describe to you. (See below.)
What Are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Chair Sessions?
Deep tissue massages in a massage chair can deliver a wide variety of benefits. The beauty of using massage rather than certain other treatments is that it is, essentially, a collaboration with your body’s systems. Massages simply create favorable conditions for your body to do what it does naturally—heal itself.
Some of the benefits of deep tissue massage include:
- Pain relief. As described previously, muscles can form adhesions that inhibit their functioning and cause painful inflammation. Using the deep tissue massage programs of a massage chair can break up or release those adhesions and reduce or eliminate the related inflammation.
- Blood pressure management. Adhesions and inflamed tissue can reduce blood flow, thereby increasing blood pressure. When you eliminate those issues, it is easier for your body to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Improved lung capacity. The same blockage/blood flow dynamic that affects blood pressure similarly impacts lung capacity. The pain and discomfort of knots in the muscles can also lead to poor posture, which inhibits free breathing. When you reduce or eliminate pain and increase range of motion, you enable your lungs to expand fully and work as they should.
- Improved sleep. Sore muscles and the health issues they cause can make it difficult to be comfortable and get a restful night’s sleep. By relieving pain and stiffness, you make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Now, of course, you should always follow your doctor’s instructions about treatment for high blood pressure, lung capacity issues, sleep, etc. You should never alter medication regimens or other protocols without the prior approval of your physician.
However, if you start using a massage chair for deep tissue massages, it is a good idea to let your physician know. They will likely notice improvements in your condition and may find that you need less medical intervention. And, in any case, telling them that you have purchased a massage chair and are using it regularly will reinforce to them that you are actively pursuing better health and wellness!
Who Should Get Deep Tissue Massages in a Massage Chair?
Many people can and should take advantage of the pain-relieving, mobility-improving benefits of deep tissue massage. For instance, if you have suffered a sports injury, you should consider deep tissue sessions in a massage chair, especially if you have persistent pain from that injury. Scar tissue can restrict your range of motion and cause other long-term issues. However, deep tissue massage can break up that tissue and accelerate your progress toward full recovery.
These benefits are even more encouraging when you consider that the same chair that delivers your deep tissue massage has other modalities you can enjoy. So, you can get relief from a wide variety of symptoms from a massage chair that is also just really fun to use.
How Often Should You Get Deep Tissue Massages?
Your ideal frequency for deep tissue massages will depend on multiple factors, including your physical needs and your tolerance/enjoyment of the sessions. If three deep tissue massages in your chair weekly keeps your muscles free of adhesions and pain, that is the right number of you. If you get what you need from one deep tissue massage and several relaxation massages weekly, go with that.
Ultimately, the key is to listen to your body. That is important, because your need for massages can change over time. For instance, while working to recover from an injury, more frequent massages may be optimal. Then, when the condition has resolved, you might not need deep tissue sessions as often.
Experience Deep Tissue Massages From Top Massage Chair Manufacturers
The only way to understand the benefits of advanced massage chairs is to experience them. Written descriptions, photos, and feature lists are helpful, but you really need to sit in several chairs, run the various programs, and assess how you feel during and after the demos. That is especially true with deep tissue massages. It is a modality that definitely gets your attention if you have never had a session before.
When you visit your local Furniture For Life showroom, a Comfort Consultant works with you to understand your wants and needs, develop a list of promising candidates, and guide you through test drives of each. It is a fun, informative, no-pressure process that can help you find your ideal massage chair.
Come see us today and learn more about having anytime-access to rejuvenating deep tissue massages in the comfort of your home.
