Why do we need regular deep tissue massage sessions!
Outside of the well-known relaxation effect, there are physiological reasons why massage is a necessity and not a luxury.
The human body is designed for movement. In simple terms, it is a chemical plant for energy production that is in constant need of oxygen and nutrients to maintain proper function. Our cardiovascular system serves as the transport system delivering the nutrients and oxygen to where they are needed in the body. A brief review of human anatomy reminds us that the cardiovascular system is made up of the human heart, only the size of a fist, which is responsible for circulating over 5 liters or 170 oz of blood through the system of arteries, capillaries and veins that when stretched out end-to-end, would be more than 60000 miles in length, according to bhf.org.uk. This system, to be effective, must be under constant pressure. Just think about the amount of work that your Heart must do to keep you going!
Modern sedentary lifestyle does not help. In today’s world, people have much less need to move their bodies. Most people spend their day sitting at a desk, and when getting from one place to another, people are more likely to drive or ride than walk.
One might ask, “What is wrong with sitting?” The problem is that, when one is sitting for long periods of time, or in an awkward position, a number of physiological changes occur including reduced blood flow to lower extremities due to additional resistance created by flexion of legs at the hips and knees and additional abdominal compression created by poor posture. Breath volume is also reduced due to the increased abdominal pressure which causes a switch from abdominal breathing to predominantly chest breathing. Lower breath volume means less oxygen into the lungs which translates to slower cell metabolism and higher CO2 concentration causing a shift in PH balance towards a more acidic environment in one’s body. It is this more environment that causes tightness/soreness in ourr muscles which hinders athletic performance and causes greater wear on joints. These are only a few of the major changes that affect the homeostasis of the body in the short and long term.
In addition to supply system, we have the ‘sewage system’ that removes metabolic waste and toxins from the body and is known as the lymphatic system. Unlike our cardiovascular system, our lymphatic system has no active pump and depends on skeletal muscle contraction and release for propulsion. A body at rest has no muscle activity and therefore a slower-moving lymphatic system which means a buildup of metabolic waste in the body. We all know what happens to waste that has been sitting for too long- rot and smell is never a good sign.
Our brain is like the thermostat of the body. When we spend over 3 hours in the same position, the brain accepts this as the new normal and resets the range of motion of the muscles. This is why we feel stiff when trying to move after sitting for a prolonged period of time. Over time, spending all day every day in a seated position, will result in a reduction of the ROM and mobility of the body.
Hopefully at this point you are asking ‘What can be done about correcting the undesirable effects of a sedentary lifestyle?’
And the answer is luckily, quite a bit! The easiest and best thing to do is to get moving. Get up frequently and go for a walk or perform a few squats or burpees. Try to exercise regularly, such as attending a yoga or Pilates class. The key to lifestyle change is consistency! Most of us get sidetracked or even sidelined by our busy lives, however healthy habits do not take a long time to make.
Despite our best effort, we need additional assistance to maintain optimal functionality of our bodies. Deep tissue massage is the way to address above mentioned issues. Greeks new that and had widely used deep tissue massage since the times Gods lived on Mt Olympus. In Traditional Chinese medicine, Tui Na (deep tissue technic) has been in use since the times of the Yellow Emperor(2711-2599BC).
The effectiveness of the technique is attributed to the fact that it reaches deep into multiple tissue layers to release tension and fascial restrictions, removing adhesions, stimulate blood and lymph flow, disperse stagnation, helps to reset nervous system to the optimal activity balance, improves immune system’s defenses. Al this helps to address ailments mentioned above. Regular treatments facilitate increased ROM, ease of movement, pain reduction, improved recovery, and performance, and more!
As you see deep tissue massage is effective in dealing with aches and pains resulting from participation in sports or activities as well as issues arising from inactivity and other lifestyle choices. To feel better and live better longer, get regular treatments, and feel young again!
Here are links to a few articles that discuss science behind deep tissue massage:
https://www.athletico.com/2013/01/09/the-science-behind-why-massage-works/
https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage#comparison-to-swedish-massage
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