Deep tissue massage
safety
People may feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage, but it will subside within a day or two if massage is done correctly.
Displacement of a ureteral stent and a hepatic hematoma after deep tissue massage were reported in one case report. Based on another case report, posterior interosseous syndrome has resulted from deep tissue massage.
Despite these scattered reports of adverse experiences, common forms of massage (e.g., Swedish, deep tissue, and neuromuscular) are considered very low risk, especially when massage is tailored appropriately to the individual.
theory/evidence
It is thought that when muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue.
A deep tissue massage may help loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it is recommended to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body.
According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.
