Features of deep tissue massage
The techniques for deep tissue massage are radically different from the classic massage techniques. These are special retentions and stretches of tissue that use the tips or phalanges of the fingers, fist, forearm or elbow.
The stroke is soft, smooth and painless, aimed at restoring connective tissue.
With the help of this massage you can normalize the functions of the musculoskeletal system as a unified system, relieve muscle pain, eliminate the effects of stress, tension and fatigue caused by intense work, improper posture or active sports.
What is fascia and the importance of connective tissue
The fascia is a structure of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, connects structures between them, also allows a smooth glide between the tissues.
It is made of tightly arranged bundles of collagen fibers, oriented parallel to the direction of tension.
Connective tissue deformities
Connective tissue is the mechanical basis of the whole organism. Connective tissue penetrates absolutely all parts and organs of the body.
It gives shape to the body and provides the ability to move. If muscles can be compared to an engine, then connective tissue is the "running gear" of the body.
The muscle is closed in the case of connective tissue, with its help it is attached to the bones, which also consist of connective tissue.
In total muscle mass, the fascia is about 30%. Each muscle fiber is enclosed in a fascia, each group of fibers and the entire muscle as a whole are also enclosed in a fascial sheath.
By contracting, the muscle fibers change the shape of this sheath, which in turn pulls the tendon and drives the bones. This is how the body moves.
For a number of reasons, the connective tissue can deform, forming a kind of "brackets" and restrictions.
If the fascial sheath of a muscle is deformed, then the muscle in it feels like a person in clothes that are too small for him. The muscle loses the ability to contract normally, weakens.
In response, a whole complex of adaptive reactions occurs in the body. Changes in posture.
If one or more muscles are not doing their job properly, then other muscles are overloaded, joints are overloaded. Overloaded areas of the body begin to hurt.
Purpose of deep tissue massage
This situation can only be corrected by eliminating the deformation of the connective tissue. Other massage methods, which are aimed at affecting muscle tissue or normalizing the flow of fluids in the body, will be useless here.
The main purpose of deep tissue massage is to remove deformities of connective tissue: fascia, tendons, ligaments and other tissues. And here this method has no competitors among the massage methods.
A simple massage will best improve the condition at best. In such cases, the pain after the massage disappears, but after a while it returns. This is because the masseur does not work with the cause, but with the effect.
The main purpose of deep tissue massage is to restore the normal shape of the fascia, tendons and ligaments, ie to stretch the "tightened" tissue and to normalize the sliding of the fascia between them.
When working with connective tissue, the specialist must comply with its laws.
Connective tissue massage techniques
Connective tissue cannot stretch quickly. When you try to forcefully stretch the fascia, it hurts. Micro-cracks will form and the patient's condition will worsen.
Working on one part of the fascia can take up to 3-4 minutes of continuous gentle stretching. When the fascia is pulled out, slow biochemical processes begin in it, which lead to its softening. Without waiting for this softening, it is impossible to change the shape of the fascia.
So, deep tissue massage is a powerful tool for solving problems of the musculoskeletal system. This is a painless, mild effect aimed at restoring the normal shape of connective tissue.
With its help it is possible to normalize the function of the entire musculoskeletal system as a single system, to eliminate local congestion and relieve pain.