In this blog post, you’re going to learn the myriad of deep tissue massage side effects, and how this popular massage modality can greatly speed up the recovery of overused and injured muscles.
Incidentally, over 20 percent of cancer patients utilize deep tissue massage as part of their overall treatment. It helps to melt away the copious amounts of stress that patients have to confront on a day to day basis.
By applying firm pressure and using deliberate slow strokes, the massage therapist is able to access the deeper tissue layers of muscle and the surrounding connective tissue (fascia).
Massage therapists start by applying light pressure to the problem areas in order to prep the tissue for more invasive strokes, using their thumbs, knuckles, forearms, and elbows.
Keep in mind, it’s usually not meant to be the most comfortable style of massage. In fact, deep massage can often be very uncomfortable for some individuals, especially those who muscles are so contracted, they feel like a brick of cement.
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, have a bleeding disorder or history of blood clots, it’s recommended that you consult your physician.
When a massage therapist performs a deep tissue massage, they’ll usually concentrate on applying more pressure than the traditional lighter touch, spa massage.
The deep pressure is needed to break through those rigor mortis-like layers of tight muscles. Once the muscles have softened, then pain relief is achieved. It can take multiple sessions to achieve these kinds of results.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects#1: Lessens Pain
Deep tissue massage has been found to be successful in the treatment of chronic pain. Whether the pain is in your neck, shoulders, neck, legs or upper and lower back areas.
A 2008 study in the Journal of Pain found that massage has a profound effect when it comes to pain reduction. They also found that deep tissue massage lessened pain by 48.4 percent during a muscle stretch.
It was also reported to reduce the pain experienced from fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and tennis elbow.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects#2: Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Deep tissue massage increases oxytocin while reducing adrenocorticotropin, or cortisol. Whereas oxytocin is seen as the ‘love hormone‘, adrenocorticotropin, on the other hand, is not so loving and known to cause the release of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Increased cortisol levels can lead to weight gain and ultimately cardiac issues. Since stress is such an integral part of our lives, a convenient way you can achieve these same benefits at home is to look into the advantages of using massage chairs.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects#3: Improves Range of Motion
Many people search for over the counter medicine to help ease their pain. Deep tissue massage, however, is much more than a mere band-aid when it comes to pain management.
The body’s natural reaction to any contracted area with poor circulation is to lay down connective tissue (also known as collagen fibers, the building blocks of scar tissue). Despite the healing nature of this process, it inevitably “glues” muscles and their connective tissue coverings into a shortened state, limiting range of motion.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, found that deep tissue massage helped improve shoulder range of motion.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects#4: Improves Cardiovascular and Respiratory System
When individuals get a deep massage, both their blood pressure and heart rates indicate a relaxed state of being.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, reported that deep tissue massage can reduce systolic blood pressure by 10.4 mm, diastolic pressure by 5.3 mm, and reduce the heart rate by 10.8 beats per minute on average.
This suggests that deep massage can have a positive impact on those suffering from hypertension.
As for the respiratory system, a 2017 study in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease found that deep tissue massage had a significant and positive impact on patients with COPD.
By improving their ability to breath easier, deep tissue massage had a positive impact on their overall quality of life.
While deep tissue massage has many benefits, there are a few negative side effects like residual muscle pain, soreness and bruising. But these after effects will eventually fade away in time.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects#5: Bruising
Soft hands and feather-like caresses don’t cut it when it comes to breaking up all those knots and muscle adhesions. In order to be effective, a deep tissue massage therapist will need to use his or her elbows, forearms and thumbs.
However, a good massage therapist should understand that a deep tissue massage doesn’t need to be painful. They know to start slow with focused and firm pressure and to be mindful of the client’s pain threshold.
While it’s true that it helps to reduce stress and anxiety, this type of contact will make your muscles sore. This sore feeling is similar to what you’d experience after a workout, and will soon leave.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects #6: Headaches
Trigger points in the muscles at base of your head, called the suboccipitals, and in side of the neck, called the sternocleidomastoid, can elicit headache-like sensations. However, after the pressure lightens, the pain normally subsides.
If you do experience a headache afterwards, it could be from dehydration or your head position during the massage. If hydrating and taking some electrolytes doesn’t help, consult your primary care physician for recommendations.
Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects #7: Venous Thromboembolism
If you’re on blood thinners, then might want to reconsider getting a vigorous deep tissue massage. Venous thromboembolism or VTE is a serious concern here.
Deep massage may cause the release of a clot which can be extremely dangerous and should be taken seriously. Should you have any concerns, speak with your physician.
Conclusion
Receiving regular deep tissue massages from a professional massage therapist will exponentially benefit your body. Your muscles will feel more supple and relaxed, and you’ll move more fluidly without pain.
