DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

I have had deep tissue massages two or three times and I found that DOMS was pretty much non existent and I slept better too. Only down fall is it cost $40 for one hour so I keep going back every three months or so.

I like stretching more than cardio too, but this does sound like a great idea.

Info from Mayo Clinic

Massage. Massage is widely used as treatment for low back pain. Massage may provide relief from chronic low back pain, but the effect may not be strong or long lasting. Your doctor may recommend that you receive massage therapy for the pain relief and relaxation it may provide. Massage may also help stretch soft tissues, restore your muscle length and allow you to resume various activities. Though it isn't a proven treatment for herniated disk, massage therapy generally is safe and doesn't have adverse side effects. However, it's not completely risk-free. Massage isn't advisable for some people.

Don't try massage if you have:

* Osteoporosis
* Deep vein thrombosis
* Skin infections or open wounds
* Arthritis in the area to be massaged

Massage involves the kneading, stroking and manipulation of soft tissues — your skin, muscles and tendons. Your massage will vary depending on the rhythm, rate, pressure and direction of these movements. A Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes to promote relaxation and improve your circulation. A deep-tissue massage uses slow strokes, but more pressure than a Swedish massage, to reach deeper layers of your muscle. During most massages, you'll need to take off your clothes and lie down on a padded table, though some massages can be done in a chair with your clothes on. Most massages take 30 minutes to an hour. About 100 different varieties of massage exist, and your doctor or massage therapist can help you decide which is best for you.

If you've never had a massage before, don't go to a spa and ask for a deep tissue right away. Its something you have to biuld up to. Get maybe 2 or 3 normal massages spread out every few weeks and then go back for the deep tissue. If the therapist is any good, they realize that you've never had a deep tissue before and will start you off with a regular massage. Reasoning - if you've never had a deep tissue before and the therepaist went right into one...it would do more harm than good because you muscles aren't ready for a deep tissue.

Make sure you drink plenty of water afterwords to help flush the toxins out.

Everytime I get one, I always have knots around my rear delts and rhomboids...they hurt like a fother mucker!

Whenever I get a massage I am told to drink a cup of hot green tea with lemon to help eliminate toxins and sooth my body works all the time. :)

Yes I do get them and I am sore afterwards, its almost like a hurt-feel good feeling. I get one prob once every 1-2 months.

I am a Massage Therapist, Neuromuscular is my specialty, I also do deep tissue, Sports, and myofascial release among others. As far as the Mayo clinic thing, MD's take a very conservative approach to any modality that may cut in on there business. Massage is effective for many things such as increasing circulation,reducing edema, reducing trigger points, improving lymph drainage, reucing spasms, reducing certain scar tissue and adhesions,helping muscles clear waste products, and of course reducing pain and spasm. I've worked with some pro athletes, and rank amateurs, as well as people that have had broken backs and necks. The whole gammit. Stretching is also very important. There are many forms of massage and it is probably the oldest from of healing practice. Don't take my word for it though, look for an MT with the same care as you would a DR and try it yourself, you'll wonder why you did not sooner. If you have any other questions I can help with I'll be glad to answer them.

Hey Dave, ever work with cleints that have Fibromyalgia? You talked about trigger points so I am wondering about the efficacy of massage therapy for this disorder.

Sure have. If you have a massage Therapist that is well versed on the subject, we were treating Fibromyalgia long before anyone would admit it existed. The trigger points in fibro act somewhat differently, and it is crucial for the practitioner to understand this. Although I cannot prescribe medication I was able to make many patients/clients aware of the benefits of ZMA for Fibro. I figured this one out myself, and most of my patients that took it slept better and had less pain. Light to moderate exercise (not heavy) and light streching are also indicated. Sometimes contrast therapy is also useful.

They feel so good.

Hey, Neuro Muscular Therapists do great shoulder work

http://www.ncbtmb.com/ For everyone else :)

i would love to go in for a deep tissue! =]