Deep tissue massages- Just how effective are they?

      Deep tissue massages are utilized in a variety of sports from running and crossfit to bodybuilding and powerlifting. Whether you are trying to rid of a chronic muscular pain, speed up your recovery, throw in a few extra pullups or clean and jerks, or widen you back just a little more for your lat spreads, you should highly consider experimenting with a deep tissue massage. There are several health benefits involved with a deep tissue massage including quicker recovery, improved blood flow, reduced chronic pain, stress relief, scar tissue break up, and improved range of motion just to name a few.

     With continued exercise and training our muscles are consistently tearing down and rebuilding to improve strength and increase in size. However, the deep fascia tissue that covers the muscle essentially prevents it from growing to its full potential. A deep tissue massage can loosen and break up the fascia tissue allowing for more muscle growth and larger muscle pumps. These massages also increase the micro-circulation within muscle tissue to allow for an increased flow of nutrients and fluid into and out of the muscle. This allows for faster recovery considering more nutrients are being shuttled into the muscle while more waste is being removed from the tissue. Deep tissue massages also induce a calming effect on the muscles and circulatory system. This reduces stress on the body which in turn can lower blood pressure (usually around 9-11 mmHg systolic and 4-6 mmHg diastolic). Another benefit of these massages is the reduction of chronic pain. The increase in blood flow throughout the body allows for a reduction of inflammation within the muscle fibers which in turn alleviates most to all of that chronic pain. Over a period of time, massage therapy can actually break up and even eliminate scar tissue within the body. This can be beneficial as it reduces stiffness and ongoing pain that scar tissue usually causes. Muscle tightness also greatly limits range of motion in and around a joint as well as the muscle belly which can lead to injury during exercises. Deep tissue massages stretch the bundles of muscle fibers both lengthwise and sideways which improves tissue elasticity. All of these benefits allow for better workouts and training sessions, faster recovery times, and a healthier body. Deep tissue massages are definitely worth incorporating into your monthly regimen.

- Pete M.