Deep tissue massage

Related Terms

Massage, Swedish massage.
For an overview of massage, please see the massage monograph in the Complementary Practices Database.

Background

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia.
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, a more superficial massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense.
This type of massage is often used to treat chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle tension or spasm.

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.

Author information

This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Braverman DL, Schulman RA. Massage techniques in rehabilitation medicine. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 1999;10:631-649.
Giese S, Hentz VR. Posterior interosseous syndrome resulting from deep tissue massage. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Oct;102(5):1778-9.
Sherman K, Cherkin D, Kahn J, Erro J, Hrbek A, Deyo R, Eisenberg D. A survey of training and practice patterns of massage therapists in two US states. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2005 Jun 14;5:13.
Trotter JF. Hepatic hematoma after deep tissue massage. N Engl J Med. 1999;341:2019-2020.
Wong C. Deep Tissue Massage. 11 May 2006.

Precautions

Use cautiously in those with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds; immediately after surgery; immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by a doctor; in those with osteoporosis; in those prone to blood clots; or if pregnant.
Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia or areas of recent fractures.