General massages can promote the feeling of well being, they can help us sleep better, improve digestion, helpus manage stress, manage pain, reduce the appearance of cellulite, ease constipation & nausea, improve gastrointestinal issues and even lower blood pressure.

Deep tissue massage (DTM) however, is a therapeutic massage that targets and realigns the deeper layers of muscles, tendons and fascia (dense tight connective tissue). The techniques used are deep compression of the muscle, long firm slow strokes and heat (by means of hot stones, heat packs & hot water bottles etc) and this therapy is very helpful for relieving chronic aches and pains, muscle tension, fibrotic build up in the muscles (knots), stiff neck, shoulders & upper back, lower back pain, tight & stiff legs and is particularly effective for sciatica.

The specialised technique of DTM is the manipulation of skin, fascia*, muscle and joints administered so as to relax the body and reduce pain & anxiety. The use of touch and transference of energy can have a positive effect on the body and the mind, relieving anxiety and assisting the body with its own innate healing response. Further, endorphins (the feel good hormones) are stimulated, mobility, range of movement (ROM) for the affected area, and circulation all may be improved. DTM can also help eliminate toxins from the body, reduce spasms, reduce muscle tension, help with chronic muscular pain & injury rehabilitation and reduce inflammation related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis.

DTM techniques are administered to affect the sub-layer of the musculature and fascia and require advanced training and a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body. The muscles have to be relaxed in order to effectively perform DTM otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. One of the main aims is to break down fibrotic build up within the fascial framework.

So how does DTM help us lose weight?

A good massage can help the body to de-stress, unwind and energize. It can also have an amazing stimulating effect on the digestive system resulting in potentially easing constipation thus allowing your body to absorb and make the most of the nutrients it gets. Connective tissue manipulation (soft tissue manipulation) stimulates blood circulation which in turn boosts the metabolism, together these help the body burn more calories and when combined with far infrared heat treatment (FIR), you are able to achieve a complete body detoxification. 

DTM’s also aid in reducing muscles tension, reduce swelling, decrease stiff muscles, help improve and increase ROM and can even help prevent injury, and by helping muscles relax (especially after a workout), this is a very effective pain management tool.

10 reasons you should get a deep tissue massage

1. Lowers high blood pressure
2. Treats back pain & sciatica
3. Aids with sleep
4. Breaks down scar tissue
5. Relieves stress
6. Increases joint mobility
7. Muscle rehabilitation
8. Reduces chronic pain
9. Aids in digestion
10. Helps arthritis pain/symptoms

The ultimate goal of deep tissue massage is to release tight fascia, to allow muscles to move with ease thus providing pain relief and is also an excellent pain management tool.

So if you want to lose weight, are in pain, have sore muscles and/or joints or are feeling stiff and tight, or just want to experience the soothing tactile nature of a therapeutic massage, pop in to, or call, VaVa Complementary Health & Wellbeing, and let us take care of you.

Namaste, Ashlí

*Fascia is the stuff that holds us together, it is a sheet or band of connective tissues in the body that forms beneath the skin to connect, stabilize, enclose and separate muscles, organs, bones, tendons, ligaments etc. (a body stocking if you like). When fascia is tight, it’s like a straight jacket for the muscles and they cannot move freely thus the potentiality exists for muscle injury and tears to occur.

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