Deep tissue massage focuses on the deep muscles and the fascia (connective tissue). It is different from a typical relaxation massage, and uses deep pressure and specific techniques to relieve tension and release muscle knots. Deep Tissue Massage in Pittsfield can help with chronic pain, sports injuries, muscle tension and many other conditions.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage uses firm strokes and deep pressure. It works on the deeper muscle layers and on the fascia, the connective tissue around muscles and bones. It improves blood flow to the muscles and helps to relieve muscle tension and reduce inflammation around injuries. It boosts the lymphatic system and removes toxins from the tissues, and it breaks down the scar tissue that often causes stiffness and pain around injuries. It improves the range of movement in the joints and muscles, and helps rehabilitation after sports injuries.
Deep tissue massage is helpful for chronic tension and pain, such as tension in the upper back, the neck and the shoulders. Releasing tension in the neck and the shoulders can also prevent and heal tension headaches. Other common conditions that can benefit from deep tissue work include lower back pain and chronic back pain, sciatica, posture problems, tension in the leg muscles, pain that is related to osteoarthritis, and repetitive strain injuries. Some studies have found that deep tissue work can also lower blood pressure.

What Happens in the Treatment

The treatment usually starts with lighter pressure and long strokes to warm up the muscles for deeper work. The therapist then uses his fingers, elbows and forearms and specific deep tissue techniques to work on the problem areas. Unlike other types of therapies that massage the whole body, deep tissue often focuses on one specific area that suffers from tension and pain.
It can feel slightly uncomfortable when muscle knots are released, but the massage should not be painful. If you are feeling pain during the treatment you should always tell your therapist. When in pain the client often tenses the body against the therapist’s touch, which makes it more difficult to release muscle knots.
Even though the releasing of muscle knots can feel uncomfortable, most people find that deep tissue massage releases stress and overall tension. The area that has been worked in the massage can feel slightly sore on the following day, but any soreness will pass in a day or two. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise and to drink a lot of water after the treatment to flush out the toxins that are removed during the massage.