Releasing stress with deep tissue massage
The argument about whether we all live in a stressful world or just perceive the world as being stressful is ongoing. The physical effects either way are very real and can contribute to stress in the first place or make the stress that is already present worse. Excessive stress on the body and mind is detrimental to health. Deep tissue massage is a hands-on therapy that can alleviate the build up of stress in the muscles which in turn can prevent stress or lessen its effects on our well-being if already present in the body.
Deep tissue massage unsticks the fibres that make up our muscles. The massage releases tension by applying pressure and friction along the muscle to break down adhesions in the connective tissue and restore range of movement. Deep tissue massage flushes out toxins, breaks up scar tissue and helps the body relax which means treatment can be both therapeutic and corrective. By concentrating on the deep layers of muscles, deep tissue massage releases chronic muscle tension that can be the cause of stress.
Deep tissue massage for stress management
Deep tissue massage can make you feel good physically which is highly beneficial for health and well-being both emotionally and psychologically. When the muscles are stressed, oxygen and nutrients can build up which causes an inflammatory effect and a back-log of toxins within the muscle tissue. Muscles can’t function properly under these circumstances and begin to feel sore and aching. The tension gets to a point where it affects our ability to cope raising stress levels ever higher. Deep tissue massage loosens muscles and helps to increase oxygen and blood circulation. Once normal function is restored, toxins can be flushed from the body which reduces inflammation and tension.
When treating stress, deep tissue massage has proved to be an extremely beneficial part of stress management. Systematic, rhythmical rubbing and manipulation of the muscles is one of the oldest forms of pain relief. Massage can affect the nervous system and calm the body’s natural fight or flight responses by reducing harmful stress hormones. Deep tissue massage also stimulates the lymphatic flow around the body. This flow affects tissue drainage and the immune system.
Tense muscles are also prone to injury which can cause a build up of scar tissue. Scar tissue is the body’s protection against further damage but it can restrict movement and immobilise smaller muscle groups. Scar tissue can also be increased by the toxins present in our environment and lead to irritation and inflammation in the body. The knock on effect to this is that the body produces more lactic acid in the muscles causing them to become sore and painful. Regular deep tissue massage can break down scar tissue and restore circulation enabling the muscles to move freely.
Modern massage methods often combine with other complementary therapies to provide an integrated bodywork treatment for alleviating stress. Alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, reiki and yoga can be combined with deep tissue massage to provide a comprehensive relaxation program. A trained massage therapist can also teach self-help techniques to be used at home or at work when the onset of tension threatens to spiral out of control.
Massage therapy is a well known and popular antidote for stress so consider booking an appointment if you are looking for stress relief.
Article written by Daniel Alexander, GoToSee Journalist
