Anyone who suffers from muscle tightness or aching muscles will benefit greatly from a Deep Tissue Massage/Sports Massage (DTM).  DTM is an excellent way of relieving stress and tension brought on by everyday life.

You may have been referred by a doctor or other specialist for a (DTM). Generally speaking, (DTM) is recommended for specific problems such as chronically tense and contracted areas like stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

DTM not only feels good but is beneficial to your health.  When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue.

DTM helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and gets blood and oxygen circulating properly. DTM is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underuse.

The purpose is to “unstick” the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, while relaxing and soothing the muscle.  It is both corrective and therapeutic.

DTM has many benefits; it helps to break down knots and scar tissue, it also stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation.  The combined effect is the removal of waste products from the body and a reduction in stress, fatigue and injury.

DTM, although relaxing and soothing can also be quite vigorous.  If you have muscle soreness the massage may, initially, cause some discomfort.  This is why we always start with a consultation asking if you have any special problems, how an injury or muscle strain has improved or got worse, your lifestyle, exercise routine and so on. This is so we know how best to help you.

Initially your massage will start with deep stretching movements to warm up the muscles and prepare them for the next stage;
Myofascial release; Fascia is a tough tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, organ, nerve, and blood vessel in your body. Myofascial release is a stretching technique that releases tension and therefore pain deep in the body.

It is used by some physiotherapists to treat patients with  soft tissue problems. It is also called "connective tissue massage". After this comes the ‘frictions’ technique aimed at breaking down lesions and even scar tissue, hence separating muscle fibers.  Frictions initially might feel a little uncomfortable or even slightly painful, but this should pass after a short while.

Trigger Point Therapy; This treatment puts pressure on certain trigger points, temporarily stopping blood flow to a particular part of the body, and then releasing it, flooding that body part with fresh blood.  This treatment kick-starts your circulation as it pours and pumps fresh oxygen around your body. Your massage will then finish with long deep strokes to relax the muscles and fibers.  At this stage it may be necessary to introduce a series of assisted stretches, or alternatively give you a home exercise programme to take away with you.

Your DTM should take approximately 1 hour.

Hot tip!

It is not a good idea to eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol in the hours leading up to or after your massage.  If you can, go for a sauna or steam bath before and/or after your massage as this will sooth and warm the muscles and boost the effectiveness of the treatment.  Or simply have a warm soak in the bath