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What to Expect From Your First Deep Tissue Massage

If your hamstrings will not respond to even the meanest foam roller at your gym and your back continually feels achy, it might be time to get a deep tissue massage. Some people are turned off at the very idea of it, as it seems to be more of a luxury than a beneficial practice. But trust us when we tell you that regular massages will actually help you work out longer and better.

Deep tissue massages are not about scented candles and a soothing hour to relax. In fact, they serve to help to release chronic muscle tension and are therefore therapeutic. So if you are a little unsure as to what to expect from your first session, we here at Fit Bottomed Girls want to help you out.

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Now get ready to take care of those sore muscles with these insights from massage therapists!

Janelle Robertson, Aesthetician, Massage Therapist and Owner of Trove Total Body

Deep tissue massage is a very specific massage treatment in which the massage therapist uses knuckles, elbows and occasionally a small tool to “strip out” muscle tissue as far down to the bone as possible. If this seems intense, you would be correct! It is definitely not for everyone. However, there are plenty of people out there who would not have a treatment any other way.

This modality can be helpful to the following people: athletes who are considerably harder on their bodies than the average person, people who are undergoing physical therapy to aid in the breakdown process of scar tissue (after proper healing from the injury has occurred, of course) or anyone who has very dense tissue and responds better to the work.

Erick Chacon, Licensed Massage Therapist in NYC

Be sure to communicate any areas of concern/pain that need to be addressed (for example, surgeries, breaks, sprains, herniated discs, etc.). It is always helpful to express whether it is a deep pain vs. superficial so that the therapist will have a better idea of how to go about addressing it.

You also need to inform your therapist of any medical issues/problems especially related to the body.

Kerren Lynch-Gallagher, LMT, PFT, Clarity Healthworks

This is important — massage, even deep tissue massage, should not be painful. It can be deep and it may feel slightly uncomfortable at certain times, but it should not hurt. When the brain perceives pain, the first thing it will tell your muscles to do is tighten up and protect yourself. That is the last thing you want to happen during a massage. It will make the work ineffective.

Eva Barmentloo, Owner and Massage Therapist, E-Body

After a massage it is highly recommended that you drink plenty of water to clean and detox your body.

Also, if you train several days during the week, your muscles need to recover. A massage therapist will recognize injuries early to avoid not being able to train anymore.

So do you ever use deep tissue massages with your training? What is YOUR advice for newbies? —Margo

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!