Therapeutic Massage vs Deep Tissue
Therapeutic massage is a general term that describes any type of massage modality that helps relieve pain, reduce stress, and work on a specific problem—such as a frozen shoulder. People tend to assume therapeutic massage means deep tissue massage, and that they will get a very strong massage. But this is not always the case. Deep tissue massage is great at breaking down scar tissue and getting your blood circulating, but it may not be what you need on a particular day. A good therapist will apply the specific techniques and the right amount of pressure to address your need, and sometimes that’s a lighter touch.
Types of Therapeutic Massage
There are several different types of therapeutic massage in addition to deep tissue massage, such as:
– Neuromuscular massage
– Myofascial massage
– Trigger point therapy
– Sports massage
Many therapists will use a combination of techniques depending on what your body needs. In addition, therapists will often take additional classes in different techniques. You can see our therapists specialties by clicking their bios.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Most of our clients are interested in deep tissue massage, and that makes sense because it is a great way to manage pain. Deep tissue massage—as well as the other therapeutic massage methods—can give you a lot of relief from chronic pain. Many of our clients come in for frozen shoulder treatment and neck pain—two side effects of working on computers all day.
Deep Tissue Side Effects
Many people want to know what the side effects of deep tissue massage are. That’s a great question, and it varies from person to person – and it can even vary for you depending on what’s going on in your body the day you get a massage. Typically, people may feel more muscle soreness for a day or two after the massage, especially if the therapist gives you a strong massage. A deep tissue massage shouldn’t cause horrible pain—and if it does you need to tell your therapist you need less pressure. However, if they’ve been working your muscles, you will probably feel it as the toxins leave your body.
Another side effect is a feeling of disorientation when the massage is over (we call it massage drunk). You may be a little light headed and out of it. That’s very normal. Just sit in the lobby and drink some water until the feeling passes! You’ll usually be fine in 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, a deep tissue massage will leave you dehydrated. That’s why your therapist gives you water when it’s over. It is very important to drink plenty of water after a therapeutic massage.
Where to Get Deep Tissue Massage
At Rejuvenations Massage Therapy, we specialize in deep tissue massage. We offer deep tissue massage near Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, Fairfax—all of Fairfax County and Loudoun County. We even have clients that come to us from Bethesda and Arlington!
