Many people associate deep tissue massage with pain, but is that really what it is all about? 

Deep tissue massage is a type of therapeutic massage that uses specific techniques to target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue or fascia. Deep tissue massage is not meant to be a painful massage and people should not be afraid of this type of massage. In order to prepare the body for deep tissue work, a properly trained massage therapist will warm up the muscles using Swedish massage techniques. This allows the muscles to relax, in turn allowing for deep muscles and tissue to be manipulated.

Some discomfort felt during a deep tissue massage is considered normal. It is important to communicate intense pain or discomfort with your massage therapist. At Holistic Bodyworks Massage, we ensure to routinely check in with the client on their level of comfort. The body’s natural response to pain is to become tense, defeating the purpose of the massage. 

Myofascial release, a deep disuse technique, works to stretch and lengthen connective tissue (or fascia) that has become tight. Deep tissue massage also works to release adhesions. This fibrous tissue can restrict movement and increase pain. This scar-like tissue can be caused from injury, surgery, poor posture, among other causes.

Deep tissue massage therapy provides a wide range of benefits. This type of massage therapy has been shown beneficial for headaches, restricted range of motion, low back pain, chronic pain, old injuries, Piriformis Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Runner’s Knee, Osetoarthritis, Sciatica, poor posture, and various muscle tensions. 

If you are in pain and looking for relief, consider deep tissue massage as mode of treatment. Contact us by phone or online our website to make an appointment. Call us at 904-874-8413 or www.holisticbodyworksmassage.com. We are conveniently located in the Baymeadows area at 9220 Cypress Green Drive Jacksonville, FL 32256.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, impacts over 25 million of Americans, and millions more around the world. Osteoarthritis is a slow progressive degenerative process affects the joints, normally caused by aging, injury and/or obesity. Any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but most commonly the hands, knees, hips and spine are affected. If you experience chronic swelling, stiffness, and pain in your joints, you could have osteoarthritis, and it may be time to contact your doctor.

Osteoarthritis is normally managed using pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication. This form of therapy can have a limited effectiveness. Recently, research has proven massage therapy to be effective in reducing pain. In a study titled Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial, the researchers wanted to determine the efficacy and practicality of treating arthritis using massage. The researchers found that the participants who received a weekly 60-minute Swedish Massage, had significant decrease in pain and stiffness, and a significant increase in function and motion, in comparison to the group of participants who continued with their usual care and did not utilize massage. Additionally, in a study titled Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee, the researchers reported that their results support Swedish Massage as being a safe and effect method of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, even more so than acupuncture. This supports a number of other studies seeking to determine the effectiveness of massage for arthritis.

So how does massage therapy benefit those from suffering from osteoarthritis? Massage increases blood flow and oxygen to the area massaged, allowing the body to naturally repair the damaged soft tissue. Massage therapy can also decrease adhesions in the fascia (connective tissue) that inhibits movement in the muscles and surrounding tissue. Additionally, massage therapy increases lymphatic drainage, which aids in removing waste and drain inflamed, swollen tissues. This allows your body to heal and heal effectively. Lastly, massage therapy can be relaxing and improve your overall wellbeing.

If you are suffering from osteoarthritis in the Jacksonville, FL area, visit my website at HolisticBodyworksMassage.com to schedule your massage therapy appointment.