What is deep tissue massage? Four Misconceptions

Massage therapy at a SPA center with essential oils can simply relax and calm you down. And some techniques will help cope with real diseases.

Therapeutic or therapeutic massage refers to physiotherapy: it can be prescribed by a doctor to eliminate muscle pain and stiffness in movement. Psychotherapists prescribe massage therapy to treat mental and emotional problems, including stress, anxiety, and depression.

What types of therapeutic massage are there?

Experienced massage therapists master several techniques at once. There are even trends: 10-15 years ago everyone was fond of Swedish massage, and today gua sha is popular. But each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. It cannot be said that one method is better than another. A good therapist himself selects a technique based on the client’s requests.

Some techniques involve the use of oils and medicinal ointments, others are performed “dry”.

Most massages require you to undress, although some massage therapists work through your clothes. When choosing a specialist, you need to check the certificates and understand what techniques he knows. A good massage therapist will listen to all wishes, check indications and contraindications and develop an individual therapy program.

However, you need to know the features of each technique in order to understand what to expect from the procedure.

results

An initial analysis of subjective Beck Depression Inventory data from all 65 women in the study found that 55% had no evidence of depressive symptoms. At the same time, 45% of women were diagnosed with depressive disorders of varying severity: in 30% of cases - subdepression, in 6% - moderate and 9% - severe levels of depression.

Analysis of the level of situational anxiety showed that in 75% of cases there was a low level of situational anxiety, which could be associated with positive expectations from the upcoming procedures. In 22.4% of women, the average score corresponded to a moderate level of anxiety, in 3% - to a low level.

However, along with this, 100% of women were diagnosed with moderate and high levels of personal anxiety.

It should be noted that the high prevalence of depressive and anxiety states in practically healthy women was the result of a targeted search of this study, while women who applied for cosmetic, massage or dental procedures for aesthetic purposes usually do not complain of bad mood or well-being.

Women's self-esteem on the subscales “Evaluation of appearance”, “Self-confidence”, “Well-being” can be characterized as quite high. At the same time, if we analyze the existing scatter of data, expressed through the ratio of minimum and maximum indicators, the greatest variability was given by the “Appearance Assessment” indicator - the average VAS score ranged from 16 to 100, which most likely characterizes women’s self-esteem as the most susceptible to external influences and evaluation those around you.

According to the initial EMG data, a significant excess of the normative indicators of bioelectrical activity of all facial muscles was established. Thus, EMG indicators m. masseter on the right and left sides of the face were 9.3±11.7 and 9.0±10.0 µV, m. corrugator supercilii - 7.9±7, and 9.0±8.0, m. depressor anguli oris - 11.1±7.1 and 11.2±7.3, m. nasalis - 11.8±6.6 and 12.2±5.6 µV, respectively.

Considering that, according to the clinical guidelines for interference EMG, normal values ​​should not exceed 3 μV for the masticatory muscles and 5 μV for the facial muscles, we can conclude that the normative values ​​are exceeded and the initial average and high level of muscle tension in the muscles being studied [18].

Thus, based on the data obtained, we can conclude that the surveyed sample of women applying for aesthetic procedures was characterized by the presence of high bioelectric activity of the facial muscles, depressive disorders of varying severity in almost 1/2 (45%) of them , high and moderate levels of personal anxiety (100%) and in the overwhelming majority of cases (75%) a low level of situational anxiety, apparently due to a positive attitude and positive expectations from the upcoming procedures.

Assessing the effectiveness of various techniques on the psycho-emotional state of women

When analyzing the dynamics of indicators of subjective severity of depression, it was found that after the study, significant positive dynamics of varying degrees of severity were observed in all groups. At the same time, in the control group the decrease in the average depression score was 24.7%, in the 2nd group - 31.4%, in the 3rd group - 45.6%. It is necessary to separately emphasize that all women in group 3 with initially high and average levels of depression after a course of myofascial massage showed no depressive symptoms (Table 1) .

Table 1. Indicators of psychological status in groups (scores, M±SD)
Note. *p<0.05; **p<0.01 — significance of differences in relation to the initial indicators; #p<0.05 — significance of differences in relation to the control group.

Analysis of the data on situational anxiety showed that in all groups in which manual influence on the facial muscles through massage was used (groups 2 and 3), there was a significant decrease in the severity of the level of situational anxiety. At the same time, the decrease in the average score of situational anxiety did not play a significant role, since the initial data were within the statistical norm. In the control group, there were no significant changes in indicators of situational anxiety (p>0.05).

Assessing the dynamics of personal anxiety indicators, it should be noted that it did not change significantly both in the control and in the 2nd group (p>0.05). In the 3rd group, there was a significant decrease in personal anxiety scores from 47.5±6.7 to 44.1±7.6 points (p<0.05), and after completing the course of procedures in women, the absence of a high degree of expression of personal anxiety was recorded anxiety.

Analysis of self-esteem indicators according to VAS revealed that in all groups, except for the control group, significant positive dynamics took place against the background of correction. The greatest positive changes were recorded in group 3 for all studied indicators - “Appearance Assessment”, “Well-Being”, “Self-Confidence” (p<0.01), and the average indicators for all studied subscales in this group were significantly higher than in the control group. When analyzing the dynamics of self-esteem according to VAS in group 2, there was a significant increase in the “Appearance Assessment” indicator after the end of the procedures. In the control group, on the contrary, there was a significant decrease in scores on the Appearance Assessment scale (p<0.05). On the “Well-Being” and “Self-Confidence” scales, no significantly significant changes were noted in the control group.

An assessment of the dynamics of neurophysiological data during tests at rest revealed the most pronounced decrease in EMG indicators of the facial muscles in group 3. Thus, women in this group showed a significant decrease in the initially increased tone of m. corrugator supercilii on the right and left sides of the face by an average of 39%, m. masseter on the right side of the face - by 53%, and m. depressor anguli oris - by 25% (p<0.05). In group 2 there were no significant changes compared to the initial values, which may indicate the insufficient effectiveness of cosmetic massage to reduce muscle tone of the facial muscles. In the control group, whose patients followed the basic recommendations, a unidirectional shift towards increasing the average amplitude of the bioelectrical activity of the masticatory and facial muscles on the left side was noted. Thus, an increase in the average amplitude of the biopotentials of the masticatory muscle (m. masseter), the muscle that wrinkles the eyebrow (m. corrugator supercilii) and the nasal muscle (m. nasalis) was observed (p < 0.05).

The dynamics of neurophysiological parameters in different groups during tests at maximum voltage are presented in Table. 2 . Analysis of EMG data revealed a significant significant decrease in the functional activity of the masticatory and facial muscles in the myofascial massage group (group 3). In the control group (group 1), in a state of voluntary activity, a statistically significant increase in the functional activity of m. masseter on the right and left sides (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in other muscle structures studied. In the cosmetic massage group (group 2), no reliable data on the dynamics of neurophysiological parameters were obtained (p>0.5).

Table 2. Electromyography indicators of the masticatory and facial muscles before and after correction in groups, test at maximum voltage (µV, M±SD)
Note. *p<0.05; **p<0.01 — significance of differences in relation to the initial indicators.

Analysis of indicators of the psychological status of the applied massage techniques studied in the long-term period showed reliable preservation of stable positive results achieved during myofascial massage in the 3rd group (n=18) in terms of “Depression” and “Self-confidence” (p<0. 05). However, in group 2 (n=20) the positive results did not persist. In group 1 (n=12) there was a significant deterioration in self-esteem on the VAS “Self-Confidence” subscale (p<0.05). The remaining indicators of psychological status in all groups did not undergo any significant changes in the long-term period.

Swedish massage: a relaxing, painless technique

Those who have never had a massage should start with painless, relaxing techniques. The Swedish technique includes soft, long, kneading movements, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping movements on the upper layers of the muscles. Additionally, passive movements of the limbs are performed.

A course of Swedish massage will relieve muscle tension, at the same time relax and energize you.

The four most common Swedish massage techniques are:

• fleurage:

  smooth sliding movements aimed at complete relaxation of soft tissues;

• petrisage:

  squeezing, kneading movements, which can alternate with light blows;

• tapermo:

  deep, circular, rubbing movements that help activate blood flow and remove scar tissue;

• tapoment:

  short, alternating tapping with folded palms and fingers.

Swedish massage perfectly relaxes the body and also helps relieve stress.

Mechanism of influence on the body

Fascial technique is strikingly different from classical massage; it helps eliminate local overloads by influencing the connective tissue fascia. The muscles are enclosed in a sheath consisting of various fibers. When the muscle sheath is deformed, the muscle, fibers and tendons remain unprotected and begin to weaken, losing their tone.

Each group of fibers includes fascia, which is responsible for certain processes in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, skin, nerve endings, pain, and ensure ease of body movements and muscle contractions. Deep massage relaxes and tones one or several spasming muscles at once.

Deep massage affects not only the membranes that protect muscles from damage, but also large areas of nerve fibers.

Under the influence of mechanical irritation on the forms of fascia, ionic currents are released, spasm is relieved, muscles become more relaxed, not sensitive to pain, blood circulation is activated, and more lubricant is released. Fascial massage can really improve the functioning of joints and improve metabolism.

Deep tissue massage

A rather painful technique that allows you to work deep muscles, eliminate tension, and joint problems. The massage therapist's movements are slow, but very intense. The specialist literally “takes into his hands” the organs, kneads the tendons and fascia located deep under the skin.

Deep tissue massage cannot be called relaxing. But it is this technique that has a real therapeutic effect. A course of massage therapy usually does not last long, but it can relieve chronic tension, eliminate sprains and speed up recovery from injuries.

How much does the procedure cost?

A successful result depends 90% on the skill of the massage therapist. That’s why it’s so important to entrust your body to a top-class specialist. A salon or clinic will definitely help you find one. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, a professional local half-hour massage of deep structures and tissues can be done for 1000 rubles, a general one and a half hour massage for 3000 rubles. But one procedure to restore health will not be enough: you will have to visit the clinic 10–15 times.

Stone therapy using hot stones

For this type of massage, the therapist places heated stones on specific areas of the body, such as acupressure points. Smooth pebbles can be used as massage tools. Stone therapy is designed to promote deep relaxation and calm. Hot stones are also used to relieve muscle tightness because they can transfer heat deep into the skin.

Full body workout

Before proceeding with the procedure, it is necessary to determine the location of the spasming muscles. To begin with, the massage therapist performs light strokes to warm up the skin and skeletal muscles. This will avoid pain and possible injuries.

During this stage, the specialist determines other pain points on the patient’s body. To relieve spasms, special techniques are used, performed manually, but sometimes the master may resort to using some massage tools.

The first session lasts about 40 minutes, gradually increasing its duration. As a result, it reaches 1.5 hours, but no more.

Prenatal massage for pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes major changes. A special massage allows the body to quickly adapt to a new function, as well as cope with the negative consequences of bearing a child. An experienced specialist can reduce swelling of the limbs and relieve lower back pain without harm to the fetus.

Massage may be the only option for women who are prohibited from taking medications. The main thing is to make sure in advance that the massage therapist has a table designed specifically for working with pregnant women.

Indications for testing

The benefits of performing a deep massage are immediately noticeable. You don't have to languish waiting for results. Early effects will be: normalization of muscle and tissue function, manifested in improved well-being and appearance.

The demand for deep massage is determined by the range of beneficial effects. Most often, middle-aged ladies (35–40 years old) use the technique. Massage helps:

• maintain muscles and skin tone;
• prevent age-related changes;
• minimize signs of fatigue and tension;
• stabilize the psycho-emotional state.

The effect helps to prolong youth, preserve, and model a decent appearance. Elderly women who tried the technique for the first time note the rapid achievement of “complex” results (getting rid of large folds, wrinkles, sagging).

A separate group of “users” of the technique are those with health problems (results of injuries, illnesses, congenital defects). Deep tissue massage provides relaxation of muscles of different groups (neck, shoulders, facial, chewing muscles). The result of the effect is an improvement in blood supply to tissues, sensory organs, and the brain. Stabilization of various body systems occurs.

Benefits of therapeutic massage

Even if there are no health complaints, it is recommended to visit the massage room at least once a week. The procedure will help you relax, get rid of anxious and obsessive thoughts. The specialist will relieve accumulated muscle fatigue.

Cosmetic massages help reduce wrinkles and improve complexion. You will learn how to do self-massage for wrinkles in our article.

After a course of massage treatment of 10 procedures, you will notice:

• general improvement in blood circulation (a blush will appear on the cheeks, hands and feet will not be constantly cold);
• disappearance of muscle pain;
• improving flexibility, range of motion of joints;
• normalization of heart rate;
• reducing feelings of anxiety;
• eliminating symptoms of stress.

In most cases, massage is pleasant and painless. Don't deny yourself pleasure. Find “your” master on the website 7hands.com. Relaxing types of massage techniques have no contraindications and do not require prior consultation with a doctor.

Sculpting at home

First study the map of the location of lymph nodes located in the upper shoulder girdle. Clean your face with steam. The procedure takes 5-7 minutes. Wash your hands, dry them, collect your hair. Apply a suitable massage product (oil, cream). Relax the skin of the décolleté, neck, and face with stroking, gradually increasing the intensity. The goal is to relax the muscles, improve blood circulation, which avoids the appearance of bruises. When rubbing the décolleté and neck, be especially careful; the skin in these areas is very thin and quickly damaged.

Drain the lymph nodes. Apply pressure on each point of the neck, décolleté, and face alternately with your fingertips, brushes, and knuckles.

If you feel pain radiating to other parts, continue to press on the point until it goes away.

What diseases and pathologies can you contact a massage therapist for?

If you plan to undergo therapeutic body massage, it is better to consult a therapist. The doctor will help you choose the optimal technique and make all the necessary notes for the massage therapist.

A course of therapeutic massage is not limited to simple relaxation. A massage therapist will help you cope with the following problems.

1. Back pain, radiculitis, hernia. Hot stones and deep muscle work will help restore your range of motion.
2. Headaches, migraines. Targeted treatment of trigger points eases the course of the disease and improves sleep.
3. Arthrosis, arthritis. The study found that patients who received an hour-long Thai massage twice a week were less likely to use painkillers and also showed an increased range of motion.
4. Cancer. For certain types of cancer, massage (especially lymphatic drainage) is strictly prohibited. But patients who do not suffer from metastatic forms of cancer, and have already completed the main course of treatment, can go to a massage therapist to speed up the recovery of the body. Swedish massage will relieve depression and activate the immune system.
5. Depression. Psychotherapists often prescribe massage therapy for people who are unable to cope with negative thoughts. Some techniques are even indicated for generalized anxiety disorder. If you complement massage therapy with regular breathing exercises and yoga, then depression and anxiety can be dealt with without medications.

There are many more benefits to having a professional massage. You can simply call an experienced specialist and discuss indications and contraindications with him.

Characteristics of impact

For a young body, the skin provides the basis for the picture of the facial condition. Cleanliness and health of the epidermis is the most important detail. Over the years, the situation has shifted towards muscles. They act as a reliable frame that holds the skin in normal tension. When muscles weaken (a natural aging process), the integument shifts, folds, creases, and wrinkles form.

Maintaining tissue tone helps maintain muscles and stop the atrophy process. Regular muscle training is aimed at this. The muscles are constantly working (facial expressions, the process of chewing, opening and closing the eyes), this is not enough for full activation. Many tissues weaken in the absence of full load. Some minor muscles remain unused.

Massage is an excellent way to keep muscles in good condition. The technique of influence is suitable for a special one, characterized by the depth of elaboration. Only then will it be possible to achieve the desired results:

• getting rid of facial wrinkles;
• formation of correct contours;
• oval lift;
• improvement of the external characteristics of the skin (color, firmness, elasticity);
• rapid recovery from injuries;
• elimination of various cosmetic defects associated with pinched nerves and muscles.

The efficiency of the system is related to the correct depth and force of impact. This has a positive effect on the conductivity of neurons. The work of nerve impulses is activated. The muscles gain a strong connection with the brain. Facial expressions become clearer, features become toned.

Deep muscle development ensures the acceleration of internal processes and the prevention of stagnation. There is an improvement in blood circulation, activation of lymph movement, increased supply of oxygen to tissues, and stimulation of metabolic processes. Muscle function, strength, and strength are stabilized. Swelling and bags go away, appearance improves.

A massage of sufficient depth affects the functioning of the muscles, and not just the superficial tissues, as with classical techniques. Muscles gain tone, their shape, volume, and strength are maintained. Result: the skin receives a powerful “corset” that prevents sagging and wrinkles.

Under medical supervision, deep massage allows you to quickly get rid of the consequences of various diseases. The impact is carried out with extreme caution. There is a great danger of aggravation of destructive phenomena.

In addition to the “main” effects, deep massage promotes emotional relaxation. The patient is distracted from problems, gains a feeling of calm and satisfaction.

Advice. The best option when trying to achieve any of the effects is to contact a professional master. Performing deep massage on your own with significant violations of technology is fraught with unpleasant consequences.

What else you need to consider: contraindications, possible side effects

Like any other physiotherapeutic procedure, therapeutic massage has contraindications. A massage therapist may refuse to perform a procedure on a patient if there are symptoms of ARVI or any infectious or inflammatory disease.

While taking blood thinning medications, it is recommended to replace deep massage with superficial relaxing techniques. Otherwise, hematomas may appear on the body.

“Local” contraindications, such as burns and open wounds, are not always a reason to reschedule a scheduled session. If the patient does not feel pain or discomfort, the specialist will perform a massage, going around the problem area.

As for unpleasant side effects, in most cases patients have no complaints.

But after myofascial release and deep tissue massage, body aches and soreness may occur. Usually, unpleasant symptoms disappear on their own a few days after the procedure.

During the massage itself, slight discomfort is allowed. But if the painful sensations are so intense that it is impossible to endure, then you need to inform the specialist. The specialist will select the optimal pressure force.

Overall, numerous studies confirm the safety of therapeutic massage. But you should not think that a physiotherapeutic procedure can replace prescribed drug treatment. Massage does not replace drug therapy, but only complements it.

Author's methods

The opportunity to heal the body with the help of deep massage has been exciting the minds of people for decades. As a result, many unique methods have emerged, differing from each other in techniques, techniques and purpose of implementation. Today the most in demand developments are:

• Franz Xavier Mayer - an Austrian doctor who lived in the middle of the last century. He came up with a special healing method based on correcting the functions of the digestive system. Along with cleansing procedures, diets, breathing exercises, the doctor identified abdominal massage as a therapeutic agent. In his opinion, deep study of the structures of the abdominal cavity is involved in cleansing the body, corrects intestinal tone and motility, and removes spasms.
• Alexander Shishonin is a doctor, candidate of medical sciences, who has developed an effective method for treating cervical muscles, used for osteochondrosis, scoliosis, intracranial pressure, and hypertension. A set of special exercises is combined with a deep massage of the neck muscles, aimed at relaxing and eliminating spasms.

• Anatoly Shevtsova is a Doctor of Biological Sciences, a kinesiologist who has created completely new highly effective techniques for layered massage of deep and superficial muscles and uses them to reduce tension, spasms, asymmetry, and restore energy balance.
• Ariel Pelevin - founder of the School of Psychosomatic Practices. He views the procedure as a dialogue between the doctor's hands and the patient's body. In his textbook on deep tissue massage, he describes methods for working the patient’s back, abdomen, legs, arms, and knee joints. The master pays great attention to the massage therapist’s postures, the sensitivity of his fingers, and the laws of working with connective tissue.

• Irena Terauda. Her techniques, aimed at strengthening facial muscles, fascial modeling, muscle stretching, and aligning trigger points, will appeal to women who want to maintain a youthful appearance.

Popular wisdom says: “God has two hands, and both of them are yours.” These words perfectly characterize the work of a deep massage specialist. As if guided by higher powers, the master works miracles, without surgery or complex equipment, influencing the most distant, deep structures of the patient’s body, restoring him health, joy of movement, youth and beauty.

How to choose a good massage therapist

In order for the completed course of procedures to be beneficial, you need to spend time selecting a good specialist. On the website 7hands.com you can find many resumes of proven specialists.

Before making your first appointment, be sure to arrange a preliminary interview. In addition to checking educational documents and letters of recommendation, it is important to evaluate your feelings. Sometimes even the most experienced specialist does not inspire emotional trust. Therapeutic massage will be most effective if the patient can completely relax.

In most cases, clients tend to choose massage therapists of the same gender.

There is no need to pay for the entire course of procedures at once.
You may realize during your first session that the specialist has not understood your individual needs. But the time and material costs of finding “your” massage therapist will definitely pay off. 4 thousand 4.3 Rate this article Published: 06/24/2021

Instructions for implementation

It is recommended to carry out the in-depth technique in courses of 10–20 procedures 1–3 times a year (depending on age and skin condition). The interval between exposures is 1–3 days. It is recommended to start the course with procedures of moderate intensity lasting 5–10 minutes.

Before the session, you need to thoroughly cleanse the skin. It is advisable to warm up by taking a hot shower (bath). In a salon environment, steaming is carried out using a warm cloth. Depending on the technique being implemented, the skin is left clean and cosmetic oil (cream) is applied.

The treated area must be warmed up with moderate movements. This is an essential condition that helps avoid injury. The skin is stroked and patted with light movements. The movement of the fingers is determined by generally accepted massage lines.

Among the preferred techniques used in deep massage are:

• kneading;
• trituration;
• vibration.

The actions are distinguished by significant pressure and require professional mastery of technology. Carry out the following movements:

1. A line from the point between the eyebrows to the end of the forehead area near the beginning of hair growth. Carried out with effort. A series of similar effects are carried out, gradually shifting the end point to the middle of the forehead. There is a deep study of the occipitofrontal muscle.
2. Affects the cheek area. With obvious effort, they are carried out from the corners of the mouth to the middle of the ear. The movements are gradually shifted closer to the nose. The cheek and zygomatic muscles, the muscles of the upper lip, and the corners of the mouth are actively worked out.
3. Move from the base of the chin to the mouth. The muscles of the lower lip, corners of the mouth, and chin fascia are worked out. Make movements with pressure, rubbing the area.

The effects actually stretch the skin and muscles, but no real stretching occurs. When moving, it is permissible to use only the thumbs and a full palm. When working on a separate area, it is permissible to alternate movements and capture muscles and tissues.

Attention! It is important not to rush in the process of working out muscles. Sudden movements are fraught with microtraumas. Deep study requires attention and experience. The technique is considered painful and fraught with danger.