Today’s Omaha Massage Therapy article: Deep Tissue Myofascial Release vs. Deep Pressure Massage
Omaha massage therapy can relieve pain, relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, promote injury recovery, and increase overall well-being. A variety of techniques are utilized in massage therapy dependant on the goal of the treatment plan. Two massage techniques often used are deep tissue myofascial release massage and deep pressure massage.
They sound very similar. And are often used interchangeably. However, they are surprisingly two very distinct techniques.
So what exactly is the difference between deep tissue myofascial release massage and deep pressure massage?
Omaha Massage and Wellness Center practices Deep tissue massage/myofascial release which focuses on the fascial layer of tissue that surrounds all muscles. Check Out our article on Myofascia here. The fascia tissue can become damaged due to tight muscles or injury to the fascia itself. Often, there are certain trigger points or areas of fascial tension where the muscle fibers have contracted and shortened causing pain. Myofascial release is a hands-on technique where a sustained moderate pressure is applied directly to the skin at the trigger points. The pressure loosens and stretches out the damaged or tight fascia. This technique promotes increase range of motion from a previously restricted range. Further, myofascial release is sometimes used by therapists as a way to warm up the muscles prior to more deep massage strategies.
Deep pressure massage, on the other hand, targets deeper muscular tissue and tendons beneath the connective tissue layers. Also, differing from myofascial release, oils or lotions may be used by the therapist to prevent friction from skin-on-skin contact. Deep pressure massage focuses on breaking up adhesions between muscles, such as built up scar tissue or ‘knots’ in the muscles. Movements involved in a deep pressure massage technique versus a myofascial release technique are slow and involve a more deep pressure in order to reach and release the deeper tissue in the body. It is important for the client in a deep pressure massage to relax in order for the therapist to be able to reach those tough spots deep within the muscle tissue. In this technique, therapists may use their elbows, thumbs, or knuckles to apply a deep gliding pressure along the lengths of the muscle fibers.
The array of different types of massage can be confusing, especially if you are new to the experience. If you are in Omaha, massage therapy can promote injury recovery, help with chronic pain conditions, or provide an option to disconnect and relax. At Omaha Massage and Wellness Center, we can help determine which technique and types are best suited for your individual needs. [bookly-form]
