How Deep Tissue Massages Can Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Khairunissa Hemani • Mar 07, 2021

Have you recently strained a muscle while working out? Are you unable to meet your usual fitness goals due to body aches and discomfort? 


If you answered yes to either of the above, you aren’t alone. While engaging in physical activity is beneficial for several reasons, it can take a toll on your body over time. Constantly using your muscles and joints can lead to wear-and-tear, which results in localized pain and reduced range of motion.


 Before you consider medication or other invasive treatments to relieve your pain, it might be time to make a deep tissue massage appointment. Take a moment to learn more about this specialized form of massage and the benefits it can provide as you workout.


What is a deep tissue massage?


A deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and tissue, and a massage therapist will typically apply firm pressure and longer strokes to reach these layers. There are two common techniques that the massage therapist will use, the first of which is called “stripping.” When utilizing this technique, the therapist will apply pressure along the length of the muscle in a gliding fashion. They will use either their knuckles, elbow or even forearm. and advice, movement and exercise or manual therapy.

The second technique is “friction,” which requires the therapist to localize the grain of the muscle and apply pressure across it. Doing so will break up any knots or adhesions in the muscle and relieve tension in the tissue.

Essentially, a deep tissue massage is a therapeutic massage that is especially helpful in treating chronic muscle pain. Additionally, this massage can help relieve the pain associated with injuries, poor posture, and conditions such as fibromyalgia.


What is the relationship between massage therapy & working out?

There is a beneficial relationship between massage therapy, especially deep tissue massages, and working out. The first benefit is that massages improve your flexibility, which is needed when exercising to avoid pulling any muscles. Scheduling regular massage appointments will ensure your muscles and tissues are kept limber, so you can work out for longer periods.. 

 

Additionally, massages can help prevent injury while working out. Not only are they an excellent source of relief when you are suffering from discomfort, but they can keep you from injuring yourself in the first place. One of the most common injuries you can sustain while in the gym is a pulled muscle, but going for massages regularly will prevent this from happening.

 

Easing the discomfort of a muscle strain or injury sustained in the gym is another key part of the relationship between massage therapy and working out. Scheduling a massage after injuring yourself should be one of the first steps you take to help you achieve relief. A massage therapist will localize the muscle causing you pain and take steps to release the tension from it. 


Finally, relaxation is a prime benefit of massage therapy and especially important if you are a gym enthusiast. Ensuring that you are not always pushing yourself to the limits physically is important, and the best way to avoid that is by balancing your schedule with regular massages that offer rejuvenating effects to your mind and body.


Relieve your discomfort today!

If you’ve ever wondered, “does deep tissue massage work,” hopefully you are now convinced of its benefits, especially as it relates to working out. Keeping your body in prime physical shape is beneficial for obvious reasons, but working in regular massage appointments is important to treat any discomfort your muscles may endure.

 

Delta Physiotherapy, located in Mississauga, ON, offers a range of massage therapy services. When you visit our clinic, our therapists will run a comprehensive assessment of your health and lifestyle. Doing so will not only enable us to provide you with our top quality service but also help us find the right massage for you. 

 

Our priority is to provide you with the best service possible. Call us at 403-252-3316 to discuss your needs with a professional, or visit our website to fill out the contact form to book an appointment!


 

Physiotherapy Guide to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, often referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD, can significantly impact one's quality of life, causing discomfort and hindering daily activities. Understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms, and exploring physiotherapy treatments are crucial steps toward finding relief and reclaiming optimal jaw function. What is the TMJ? Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. This joint is involved in our everyday lives, for example, eating, talking, and breathing. What are the causes of TMJ Dysfunction? TMJ dysfunction can stem from various factors, including jaw misalignment, excessive teeth grinding or clenching, trauma to the jaw or face, arthritis, stress, poor posture, and muscle tension. These factors can contribute to inflammation, muscle tightness, and joint dysfunction within the TMJ complex. What are the symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction? Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty chewing or biting, clicking or popping noises in the jaw, jaw stiffness or locking, earaches, headaches, facial pain, and neck or shoulder discomfort. These symptoms may vary in severity and can impact speech, eating, and overall well-being. How can Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab help you? Physiotherapy offers effective interventions to alleviate TMJ dysfunction symptoms and address underlying causes. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we use a combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, manual therapy, gentle joint mobilization, and laser therapy to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing. We also understand the importance of postural education and how posture can cause and/or aggravate TMJ dysfunction. For this reason, we also ensure that we provide guidance on ergonomic principles and posture modification to alleviate stress on the jaw and neck muscles, reducing TMJ-related discomfort. Lastly, we will also prescribe you exercises that will target specific exercises target muscles involved in jaw movement. This will enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination at the joint and in surrounding muscles to promote proper jaw function and reduce pain. By addressing muscular imbalances, joint dysfunction, and contributing factors, physiotherapy offers comprehensive care for individuals suffering from TMJ dysfunction. With a tailored treatment plan and collaborative approach, individuals can find relief from pain and restore normal jaw function, enhancing their overall quality of life. Book a free 15 minute consultation with us at Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab and we can get you started on your healing journey!

Tennis Elbow - Say Goodbye to Elbow Pain

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Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a prevalent condition that affects not only tennis players but anyone who engages in repetitive arm motions. It's characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow and can significantly hinder daily activities. What causes Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow is primarily caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, particularly those responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. Activities such as tennis, painting, typing, or repetitive lifting can strain these tendons, leading to microscopic tears and inflammation. Tennis elbow can occur in anyone, not just tennis players, due to repetitive arm movements What are the symptoms of Tennis Elbow? The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. This discomfort may radiate down the forearm and worsen with activities involving gripping or lifting. Additionally, individuals may experience weakness in their grip and difficulty performing simple tasks like shaking hands or turning a doorknob. If left untreated, tennis elbow can progress, making everyday activities increasingly challenging. How can we help you? Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management and rehabilitation of tennis elbow. Our physiotherapists at Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab employ various techniques to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence of this injury. We use hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation to help reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and promote tissue healing. We will combine this with electrotherapy, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and scar tissue build up, enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments. In some cases, splints or braces may be recommended to immobilize the elbow and reduce strain on the affected tendons. We will also design a personalized exercise program for your specific needs aimed at strengthening the forearm muscles and improving flexibility. These exercises help restore function and prevent future injuries. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we understand that tennis elbow can be a debilitating condition, but with timely intervention and appropriate treatment, we can help you regain function and resume your daily activities pain-free. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, and seeking professional guidance, individuals can embark on a path towards recovery and long-term elbow health. Book a free 15 minute consultation with us at Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab and we can get you started on your healing journey!
A poster for delta physiotherapy and rehab shows a person with sciatica

Sciatica

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Sciatic nerve pain or lumbar radiculopathy, most commonly known as sciatica, stems from the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. This nerve serves a crucial role in connecting the spinal cord with the leg and foot muscles, facilitating movement and sensation. When irritated, it can lead to excruciating pain and discomfort. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we have treated many patients with sciatica. It is a common condition that affects up to 40% of people in their lifetime (Davis et al., 2024). What are the symptoms of Sciatica? Symptoms of sciatica vary but commonly include sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down one or both legs. This pain can also radiate down the front of your thighs. This pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, sneezing, or coughing and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. What are the risk factors for Sciatica? Several factors contribute to the development of sciatica, including dysfunctional postural variations, herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, or even pregnancy. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, and improper lifting techniques can exacerbate the condition. The risks associated with sciatica extend beyond mere discomfort. Persistent pain can lead to decreased mobility, and a reduced quality of life. How can we help you? Physiotherapy emerges as a holistic approach to managing sciatica symptoms and addressing its underlying causes. Physiotherapists design a tailored exercise program aimed at strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing posture. These exercises not only alleviate pain but also prevent future episodes by promoting spinal health and proper body mechanics. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we use a combination of modalities like electrotherapy, and laser therapy to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote tissue healing. We also use manual therapy techniques, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, to provide immediate relief by decompressing the sciatic nerve and restoring normal joint function. In addition to in-clinic sessions, education on self-management strategies, including ergonomic adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and proper body mechanics, is crucial and empowers individuals to take control of their condition and prevent recurrence. Sciatic nerve pain presents a significant challenge to those affected, but with proper understanding and treatment, its impact can be mitigated. Physiotherapy stands as a cornerstone in the management of sciatica, offering effective, non-invasive solutions to alleviate pain, improve function, and restore quality of life. Book a free 15 minute consultation with us at Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab and we can get you started on your healing journey!
A person showing the pelvic bones

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

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A diagram of a person with office syndrome

What is Office Syndrome?

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A diagram of a healthy foot and a foot with plantar fasciitis

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