Does Deep Tissue Massage Work For Musculoskeletal Injuries

02 Nov Does Deep Tissue Massage Work For Musculoskeletal Injuries

All injuries that affect the bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, or tendons and result in varying pain intensity are considered musculoskeletal injuries. Pains resulting from musculoskeletal injuries range from acute to chronic, and while they may affect the entire body, they are prevalent in highly used and exposed joints.

Over time, different treatments have been developed to address pains from musculoskeletal injuries. Some popular ones include acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, pain relievers, splints, steroid injections, and occupational therapy. However, a deep-tissue massage is another safe and effective therapy employed in addressing these injuries.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue is a massage technique employed mainly for musculoskeletal issues, especially those that result from strains and sports-related injuries. As the name implies, this therapy focuses on the deeper layers of the muscles and connective tissues. This method improves blood flow and reduces inflammation, thereby fostering faster healing.

Therapists engage in about three deep-tissue massage techniques, each selected based on the situation and examination result. Some standard techniques include the active release method, trigger point method, and muscle energy technique.

How Deep Tissue Massage Works

Prior to a deep-tissue massage, a therapist aims to identify the problem areas. Musculoskeletal injuries often involve just one area compared to pains from medical conditions. Once a patient is warmed up, the therapist employs deep kneading and stroking with varying intensity and pressure levels.

This massage technique focuses on specific areas in the body that experience pain and stiffness. Therapists use slow, deliberate strokes that add pressure on different layers of tendons, bones, muscles, and other tissues deep under the skin. The inconsistent levels of pressure employed make deep-tissue massages less rhythmic than other forms; however, it is beneficial in reducing chronic pains and assisting with musculoskeletal injuries.

Benefits Of Deep Tissue Massage In Musculoskeletal Injuries

There are several benefits of a deep-tissue massage ranging from physical to psychological. Regarding musculoskeletal injuries, this massage technique directly addresses muscle pain and improves stiffness. Here are some ways deep-tissue massage work to address musculoskeletal injuries.

●    Reducing Pain

This is the prevalent benefit of deep-tissue massage. This massage technique helps decrease inflammatory cytokines – the signaling molecule responsible for pain and inflammation. Alongside this, deep massage aids in creating more mitochondria, which helps muscles recover from different injuries and strain activities.

●    Breaks Up Scar Tissue

Scar tissue is a collection of cells and collagen that covers the site of an injury. It’s common to have a limited amount of blood flow in areas affected by an injury. Hence, employing deep massage consistently helps to increase lymphatic circulation, which improves flexibility and range of motion in the affected area. By doing so, scar tissues are broken up.

●    Restoring Injured Muscles

Deep tissue massage helps to address tight or injured muscles, especially sports-related injuries. Massage therapy fosters the movement of toxins from the muscles, making it an effective treatment for injured muscle recovery. Aside from that, deep-tissue massage also addresses muscle fatigue and prevents injuries.

Evidently, deep-tissue massages are effective treatments for musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, car accidents, and sports injuries. Thus, including a deep massage therapist in your treatment plan is essential.

Colorado Accidents and Injuries specialize in offering physical therapy services to accident and injury victims. The center also features some of the best deep-tissue massage therapists to assist you in your rehabilitation process. Contact us today and begin your physical therapy treatment.