Deep Tissue Massage: What Happens to Your Muscles After a Session?

Question
QUESTION: After very painful deep tissue massage on cold muscles pain did go away 2 days later. But what is happening with tissues after painful massage? Why is it painful, because of bruising like effect, or inflammation effect? Is this "effects" are causing build up of the connective tissue?

ANSWER: Hello Oleg,

Deep Tissue in not for everyone, but very beneficial for people with conditions such as: postural problems, chronic pain, limited mobility,
fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, and osteathritis pain. Deep tissue massage works by breaking down adhesions or knots with slower strokes and is aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. A deep tissue may cause a little discomfort, but should not cause pain. If you feel any pain, the client needs to communicate with the therapist immediately.
It is normal to feel a little soreness after a deep tissue massage, but subsides in a day to two.

Great amounts of pressure from a deep tissue massage can cause capillaries to break, a bruising like effect. Also, certain medications like blood thinners, dietary supplements, and corticosteroids has this effect.

Have a great day!

Brandy



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What about tolerance level of the client? Is it possible it will rise over time and client will request deeper and deeper pressure?
Thank you for the answer.

Answer
In general, people have different tolerance levels.  Also, the longer you have been in pain, the higher your pain tolerance. In my experience, my regular clients do not request for me to go any deeper when giving the deep tissue massage. To answer your question, I would have to say it is unlikely.

Hope this was helpful.

Brandy