Massage Therapy + Deep Tissue Massage Therapist in Chandler

Naturopathic medicine takes advantage of your body’s healing properties – a naturopathic doctor in Chandler will seek to use natural remedies that will stimulate your body to produce more balanced hormones, heal, emit less pain, and more. Massage therapy is just one more tool at a naturopathic clinic’s disposal.

Naturopathic doctors recommend and use massage therapy for various health conditions, both mental and physical. Massage therapy can help manage pain, reduce stress, promote overall wellness, stimulate the immune system, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase relaxation, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (1).

Massage Therapy For Chronic Back Pain, Fibromyalgia and More

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a study in 2012 that showed a decrease in pain intensity and an improvement in function among individuals suffering from chronic back pain(2). Additionally, a systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology indicated that massage therapy could alleviate pain and improve quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia (3). This does not rule out the effectiveness of your primary care physician by any means, and massage is not a panacea for all back pain. But it can be effective.

Can Massage Therapy Help With Chronic Diseases?

Chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease often involve considerable stress and pain. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicated that massage therapy could lead to significant improvements in pain, anxiety, and health-related quality of life in patients with cancer (4). Additionally, a research review published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated that massage therapy could be useful in managing symptoms related to heart disease, such as reducing heart rate and blood pressure (5).

Keep in mind that we are not suggesting that massage therapy cures cancer or heart disease. But managing pain, stress, and blood pressure are wonderful reasons to get regular massages.

Massage Therapy For Mental Health Wellness

The benefits of massage therapy extend beyond physical health conditions, touching on mental health issues as well. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry published a study in 2010 suggesting that massage therapy can lower cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine. In short, a massage therapist in Chandler can help decrease your stress hormones while encouraging the production of more “feel-good” hormones.(6). The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry also reported that massages can reduce the symptoms of depression (7).

The International Journal of Neuroscience published a study showing that massage therapy could improve sleep quality by affecting delta waves, the brain waves associated with deep sleep (8). This suggests massage therapy might be beneficial for conditions like insomnia or other sleep-related disorders. For more information about delta waves and the various stages of sleep, see this book featured by the National Library of Medicine.

Lymphatic System Disorders and Massage Therapy

Another lesser-known benefit of massage therapy involves the lymphatic system, a crucial part of our immune system. A study in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy found that massage therapy can stimulate lymph flow, enhancing the body’s natural detoxification process. It promotes lymphatic system function, helping eliminate waste and toxins and supporting overall immune health. (9).

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

In a deep tissue massage, the therapist engages with deep muscle fibers and connective tissue that lie further within the body. Direct pressure, compression, and friction come into play – a differentiator from a regular massage.

Deep tissue massage is excellent for chronic pain, tension, strains, and more, but it isn’t a “sports massage.” It moves much slower than a sports massage, and the goal is long term healing and pain relief, not preparation for a game or rapid repair of an acute injury. If you need to address the collagen base to loosen up damaged or “stuck” muscles, deep tissue massage may work for you. 

A Brief Guide To Deep Tissue Massage Techniques

This is by no means an authoritative and exhaustive overview, but many prospective patients find it helpful to read some general information about the techniques associated with deep tissue massage in Chandler, AZ.

In a deep tissue massage, a therapist will start with slow and gliding Swedish massage strokes, called effleurage, to relax your muscles. But unlike a regular massage, the therapist may start to work the muscles a bit more deeply after 30, 60, or 90 seconds, rather than sticking with the lighter strokes for several minutes. At this point, the therapist may start to engage forearms to add more pressure, or “compression.” This will generally build slowly so as not to inflict pain – you will be warmed up first. The therapist will use more friction and drag on the muscles.

Compression from the elbow can also engage deeply with muscle tissue, and this is more relaxing than it sounds. The angle of your therapist’s arm will be more open, so the point of the elbow won’t cause pain.

An experienced therapist may also engage thumbs and knuckles to create additional compression. Amateurs and student therapists are often steered away from the use of thumbs, but an experienced licensed therapist knows how to use thumbs without creating pain for the client.

Furthermore, some deep tissue therapists will use a cream or lotion on the skin rather than the oils commonly used in regular massages. This allows the therapist to work your muscles and deep connective tissues better – the goal is not necessarily to glide across the surface. 

Communication With the Therapist is Key

Is the massage too deep? Do you need to warm up more before moving on to greater compression? Are you feeling too much pain? These are all things your therapist would like to know. Each massage is different and tailored specifically to the needs of the client. Someone experienced in deep tissue massage therapy in Chandler will not be upset or offended if you express discomfort – we are here to help you.

For What Health Conditions Can Deep Tissue Massage Provide Relief?

Among many other conditions, here are a few issues that may be helped by deep tissue massage. As the leading naturopathic doctor in Chandler, we have experience with a number of these health concerns.

Back Pain, High Blood Pressure and Dystrophy

According to a study published by Crane et al. in 2012, those suffering from chronic back pain may benefit from deep tissue therapy. The authors of the report found that after 10 days, individuals who received a deep tissue massage reported a greater decrease in pain compared to those who received therapeutic massage.

It can also help lower high blood pressure. A study conducted by Diego et al. (2005)[^4^] showed that participants who received deep tissue massage saw a decrease in their systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure readings.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that deep tissue massage can help reduce symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe Muscular Dystrophy. The researchers found that the patients experienced significant improvements in mobility, self-care, and muscle strength after undergoing deep tissue massage therapy (Best et al., 2001)[^5^].

Many Other Benefits

The benefits of deep tissue massage are plentiful. It’s known to relieve chronic muscle pain and stiffness and improve mobility. It helps in muscle rehabilitation in athletes and enhances muscle recovery after strenuous activities, hence improving performance (Moraska, 2005)[^6^]. Furthermore, it can improve posture by addressing the root causes of musculoskeletal imbalances and help with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica (PainScience.com, 2020)[^7^].

To schedule your deep tissue work, contact the massage therapists in Chandler at Essence Medical Center. We also provide the best acupuncture in Chandler, and we have an esthetician in residence.

We would love to speak with you, learn more about what you’re looking for, and suggest an ideal massage therapy (deep tissue or otherwise) for you. Please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.