Sometimes due to an accident or due to over exertion you feel acute pain deep inside the tissues. This pain is not easily removed with the normal allopathic medicines. This is due to the formation of bands or adhesions in muscles, tendons or ligaments (contracted parts of muscle fibers). These bands block the blood flow in that area because of which tissues face oxygen deficiency resulting in acute pain. This also prevents smooth movement and that portion results in inflammation. The best solution for such pain is the deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage was first used by the Greeks, the Egyptians and people of Far Eastern Region. The Canadian physiotherapist, Therese Phimmer is the founder of this technique. She used its techniques for her paralysis treatment. This massage includes the strokes that are slow but applies more pressure that reaches deep inside the muscles. Most of the strokes are similar to the normal massage therapies but somewhat deeper within the tissues. With such deep pressure, therapist breaks the adhesion thus allowing free flow of blood in the tissues. Sometimes friction is applied in the grain of muscle fibers.

As this involves greater force, at times it hurts. You can always tell your massage therapist about that. They use lotion or some body oils so that movements can be smooth and could also nourishes your body. Sometimes it also results in soreness and swelling in that particular region. Generally when it's the first time, some pain remains in your body after massage but once your body gets adapted it is no more felt by you. It's better to apply ice to those areas if the pain persists for long time.

This is very helpful in cases of acute and chronic pain and support in recovery from injuries. This massage releases muscle tension and overcome postural problems. For an athlete, during any sports injury deep tissue massage is best solution. It also cures Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis.

Deep tissue massage use different strokes during its process:

Slow strokes: These strokes involve slow movement of palms on the body part with the major pressure applied with the lower portion of arms. This is done so that pressure reaches deep within the tissues.

Direct pressure: In this, with the help of fist or side portion of arms, a great force is applied directly to the painful part i.e. body is kneaded like dough. This is very effective to break the adhesions or other blockages due to contracted muscles. Elbows can also be used for the same purpose.

Friction: Here movements are fast but pressure is kept deep. This creates warmness in the tissue enhancing blood circulation thus eliminating toxins deposited as metabolic waste in muscles fibers.

Sometimes people develop a mentality that with a greater force and more pressure, their pain will be reduced faster within hours. Because of which they direct their therapist to apply more pressure bearing acute pain. But don't think about this as it could results in more knots and sprain in muscles. You will get best results only with slower strokes that are patiently done.

In order to choose the best deep tissue massage for you, make sure that your massage therapist is an experienced one. As this involves treatment of deeper tissues, one wrong movement can disrupts your nerves, arteries or veins giving you with life long problems. So be a bit careful and enjoy the benefits of this effective therapy without any side effects.