Deep Tissue Massage Tulsa focuses on chronic tension in muscles that lie below the surface of the skin. It uses techniques like stripping and friction to physically break down adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that restrict movement and cause pain and inflammation.
While some discomfort is normal, if you experience excruciating pain, your therapist may be applying too much pressure or using the wrong technique.
During deep tissue massage, tight muscles are stretched and kneaded, which increases blood flow to those areas. This new blood pushes through arteries and veins, moving stagnant fluid that is causing swelling and pain in the tissues.
The increase in circulation also brings fresh, oxygenated blood with nutrients to the damaged tissues, reducing inflammation and allowing healing. Additionally, the massage reduces lactic acid build up in the muscles, flushing away metabolic waste.
This increased blood flow decreases the build-up of toxins in the muscle tissues, which is often a cause of pain and stiffness for those with chronic problems such as arthritis. The new blood flow helps to break up the scar tissue that can restrict movement in those areas as well.
In addition to the physical effects of increased circulation, a good massage will release hormones such as serotonin, which have positive impacts on mood and help you feel happy and satisfied. This is one reason why many people report a great sense of happiness after a good, deep tissue massage.
It is recommended that you drink a lot of water after a deep tissue massage. This is because the massage can be somewhat dehydrating, but the increased water consumption will help hydrate the muscles and flush out any lactic acid. You should also avoid strenuous activity right after a deep tissue massage.
Due to the harsher nature of this type of massage, it is not recommended for anyone who has blood clots or other health concerns such as open wounds, osteoporosis, cancer, or pregnancy. The increased blood flow can dislodge a clot, which could be dangerous.
However, if you are otherwise healthy, deep tissue massage is an excellent way to relieve stress, increase flexibility, and speed up your body’s natural healing processes. It’s an especially good idea if you are an athlete, as regular sessions can improve performance and prevent injury. Talk to your doctor about whether it would be beneficial for you to have this type of massage, and what to do if you experience any discomfort or pain after a session.
Relieved Pain
Deep tissue massage is a great option for anyone with pain, whether it’s chronic back issues like sciatica, or muscle related injuries such as tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis. The deep pressure applied to the muscles helps break down adhesions and scar tissue, relieving pain and improving range of motion.
This type of massage is also highly effective in treating fibromyalgia, and often results in improved flexibility and range of motion after just one session. The intense nature of this type of massage means it can be painful at times, but your therapist will be able to communicate with you about the level of pressure you’re comfortable with. The aching or sore feeling that occurs after a treatment is usually caused by the breakdown of scar tissue, which causes the muscle to flex and tighten.
In addition to relieving pain, this technique is very effective at reducing the body’s stress hormone cortisol, which often spikes after periods of high levels of anxiety or fatigue. Regular massages can lead to better quality sleep as well, due to the lowered stress and increased serotonin released during treatment.
After a deep tissue massage, it’s common to feel tired or fatigued. This is typically due to the fact that your muscles are relaxing and your stress has been relieved. This feeling should not last long and should subside once your body has had a chance to recover. You may also experience a headache, which is typically due to the awkward head positioning during the massage. This is also a result of the release of toxins and should not last more than a day or so.
It is also important to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue massage to aid in the increase of blood flow and to flush out any toxins that have been released during the treatment. This will help ensure that your body is properly hydrated and that any toxins are removed quickly, speeding up the recovery process. As with any type of massage, it’s important to consult your doctor before getting a deep tissue massage, especially if you have any existing health issues such as clotting disorders or osteoporosis.
Increased Flexibility
Tissue elasticity increases during massage and as a result, muscle flexibility improves. Tight muscles can restrict a joint’s movement and a person can become more susceptible to injury and have a less quality of life due to limited mobility.
Massages stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which activates your relaxation response. This in turn, reduces blood pressure, which helps with cardiovascular health. In addition, the improved circulation and decrease in inflammation can help improve a person’s overall health.
Deep tissue massage targets the deep layers of muscle tissues and is effective for clients with chronic muscle tension, stiffness or pain. The deeper pressure of this technique enables the therapist to reach tight knots and release adhesions (tight bands of muscle fiber). Regular sessions of deep tissue can provide long-lasting relief from chronic pain.
Before beginning a session, your massage therapist will warm up and prep the muscles. This is typically done by gliding over the length of each muscle fiber with light pressure, preparing it for deeper strokes. Once the muscles are prepared, the therapist will use tools such as fingers, thumbs, knuckles, and elbows to apply deep pressure to each layer of the muscle.
The therapist will then create friction with tools to break up muscle adhesions. The lactic acid build-up that occurs during strenuous activity can cause these adhesions, leading to stiffness and limiting flexibility. Massage can help with the removal of this waste, which can restore a muscle’s elasticity and flexibility.
Another way to improve flexibility is by stretching. A common recommendation for individuals who exercise is to stretch before and after each workout. This is often more effective than just one long, vigorous stretch after a workout as it allows your body to work on different areas of the muscle and increase its range of motion.
If you are interested in trying a deep tissue massage, talk to your doctor first. This is especially important for anyone who has had a history of blood clots, or anyone at risk for them. The deeper pressure and movements of the massage can potentially dislodge a blood clot, which is very dangerous for anyone suffering from blood clots.
Reduced Stress
A massage is a form of bodywork that involves manual manipulation to promote relaxation and pain relief. In addition to releasing feel good hormones, like serotonin and oxytocin, a deep tissue massage also helps lower cortisol levels in the blood stream. Cortisol is a stress hormone that triggers the fight or flight response and when it gets too high, your immune system can become suppressed.
By lowering the amount of cortisol in the blood, a deep tissue massage can help prevent and treat stress related illnesses. It can also help you feel more relaxed and at ease with everyday activities, such as walking up the stairs or carrying groceries.
Because of the harsher pressure involved with this type of massage, it isn’t recommended for certain individuals, including pregnant women and those with osteoporosis. The therapist will start off a session gently and warm up the muscles before applying more rigorous techniques. While the massage may cause some discomfort, it’s important to communicate with your therapist so that they can adjust the amount of pressure being applied.
During the sessions, the therapist will use slow, firm and gliding strokes with their fingers, thumbs, forearm, knuckles and elbows to reach deep layers of muscle. After the muscles are warmed up, they can be stripped of toxins and other waste products by using friction methods. This causes some soreness after the massage but should subside within a day or two.
When a muscle is sore, it is often a result of microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. Over time, these tears can build up and cause inflammation, which makes the muscle ache. Deep tissue massage can help break up these tiny tears and reduce swelling.
Getting a deep tissue massage can also improve the appearance of scars, especially those that are from surgery or burns. This is because the massage can help break down internal and external scar tissue and stimulate the growth of healthy tissues. It can also help relieve itching and numbness caused by scar tissue. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist can also increase circulation which can speed up the healing process and make your skin look healthier.