A specific type of therapeutic massage therapy that targets the deepest layers of muscles, fascia, and connective tissue, deep tissue massage utilizes slow, firm strokes and more forceful deep finger pressure. It’s often recommended by physicians to help the pain and muscle damage from injuries and a variety of ailments, and is favored among athletes and those whose jobs put a strain on their muscles regularly. Deep tissue massage has many other benefits, as well. If you’re interested in finding a qualified massage therapist in the Minneapolis MN area, you should know that the pros of a massage go well beyond relaxation. 

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

In general, massage therapy is considered a part of a well-rounded and complimentary approach to medicine and treatment. An alternative treatment approach, options like deep tissue massage are recommended by many physicians and medical professionals to help treat a wide variety of conditions, illnesses, and injuries. And while massage alone won’t replace surgery or medication, studies have demonstrated that it is an effective way to help combat things like stress, muscle tension, and pain, especially for patients dealing with conditions like:

. Migraines

. Anxiety

. Depression

. Digestive disorders

. Myofascial pain syndrome

. Sports injuries

. Soft tissue injuries

. Certain autoimmune conditions

Other benefits of massage therapy–particularly of deep tissue massage–include: 

Improved Blood Pressure

Deep tissue massage has been shown to drop both diastolic and systolic blood pressure by anywhere from 5 to 10 mm Hg. Not only does massage ease tension, stress, and anxiety, which in and of itself has a positive effect on blood pressure, but the kind of physical touch utilized in deep tissue massage also increases the body’s production of serotonin and norepinephrine–the “feel good” hormones produced within the brain. 

Reduced Chronic Pain

Depending on the cause and your condition, deep tissue massage may be effective in helping alleviate the symptoms of a chronic pain condition. It’s important to note that while many different forms of massage therapy are helpful for pain conditions; deep tissue massage is not for every pain issue. For example lupus and fibromyalgia patients may find that deep tissue massage is too intense for their trigger points, and it may in fact do more harm than good. However, many other chronic pain ailments, including sports injuries and inflammation that causes recurring pain and muscle tension can often be alleviated by the loosening of muscles and increased blood flow.