Deep Tissue Massage for Muscle Recovery

If you're an athlete or if you're someone who exercises a lot, you should look into getting a deep tissue massage or a sports massage. A deep tissue massage is designed to improve athletic recover and performance, reduce stress, anxiety and muscle tension, treat chronic back pain and break up scar tissue. This type of massage applies heavy pressure onto muscles and deep tissues to relieve built-up knots and tension. A deep tissue massage is surely not the most soothing per se, but it can help tremendously with muscle relief and recovery. Here are some of the great benefits that result from a deep tissue massage.

1. Improve athletic ability.

The most beneficial massage for an athlete is a deep tissue massage, such as the Athlete Recovery massage and the Sports/Therapeutic massage at VillaSpa. It is typically performed prior to an athletic event to help warm up the body and assist with the prevention of injuries. Receiving a deep tissue massage post-event would target a quick recovery. Studies show that deep tissue massages can help improve lactate clearance, delayed onset of muscle soreness, muscle fatigue, injury prevention and injury treatment. 

2. Reduce stress, anxiety and muscle tension.

Inflammation caused by chronic stress and muscle tension can lead to worsened overall health, longer recovery time, reduced immune function and cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure.

3. Treat Chronic back pain and break up scar tissue.

One study that compared the effectiveness of two different kinds of massages for treating chronic back pain, therapeutic massage versus deep tissue massage, found that deep tissue massage treatment over the course of 10 days resulted in significantly better improvements in pain compared to therapeutic massage. Other studies have shown similar findings. A 2014 study published in the Scientific World Journal even found that deep tissue massage treatment alone had just as much of a positive effect on reducing pain in patients with chronic symptoms compared to massage and NSAID painkillers used together.

These benefits, among many others, show how deep tissue massage can make an excellent addition to support an active lifestyle. While the benefits might not always be immediate, a deep tissue massage will contribute to the overall improvement and muscle relief. Interested in getting a deep tissue massage to aid your recovery? Contact VillaSpa to learn more about our deep tissue massage options and book a session.