A full body deep tissue massage feels like a satisfying yet intense release, but the real benefits of this massage therapy are far more long-lasting and backed by science. In this guide to full body deep tissue massage benefits, we’ll take you through what a deep tissue massage entails, what to expect during your massage, and the benefits you should experience in the days and weeks following.
If you would like to talk to a massage therapist about an injury, different styles of massage therapy, or learn more about our award-winning London clinics, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Table of Contents
Full Body vs Isolated Deep Tissue Massage
We’ve covered what is a deep tissue massage in our full Deep Tissue Massage guide, but how is a full body massage different?
When you book a deep tissue massage, you can either focus on a particular problem area (e.g. a leg with a sports injury or the chronic pain in your shoulder) or go for a full-body treatment. The full body massage targets your arms, legs, back, head and shoulders. So, it’s technically not your full body, but it does encompass the main areas where you may be experiencing pain, discomfort, or stiffness.
For a full body massage, we recommend booking a 60-minute or 90-minute session. This will enable you to thoroughly discuss your problems and needs with the massage therapist, then receive an effective and unrushed massage.
What to Expect
For a full body massage, we recommend booking a session at a clinic (like One Body) so you can relax in a professional and relaxing environment. Come to your session wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing – and your underwear. For a full body massage, we need access to your bare legs, arms and back. Ensuring you wear loose-fitting clothes means you’ll be able to get dressed comfortably after your deep tissue massage, even if you feel a little sore.
Although you will be in an undressed state, there is a strict regard for personal boundaries and you can ask the therapist to stop or step outside at any point. Finding a therapist with qualifications and proven experience will ensure you feel comfortable. You can explore our team of therapists at One Body to learn more.
During the massage, the therapist will work methodically across your body, paying attention to areas of tension, hard tissue, and knots. If you have an injury that you’d like to focus on (or avoid), your therapist will tailor the treatment to suit. Deep tissue massage is a popular choice for sciatica and shoulder knots!
5 Benefits of a Full Body Deep Tissue Massage
Using hard pressure to reach the deepest layers of muscle and tissue gives deep tissue massage therapy unique health benefits.
Improved Blood Circulation
Deep tissue massage stimulates the muscles by encouraging blood circulation. By circulating blood through the muscles, you also increase cell oxygenation. Improved circulation benefits all internal organs and skin – iit promotes cell health and organ function. Improved blood circulation can also promote cognitive benefits, potentially sharpening your mind and boosting focus. Additionally, there’s evidence that deep tissue massage can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, though more research is needed in this area.
Restored Mobility and Flexibility
The hard pressure applied during a deep tissue massage can be used to target toughened tissues. This includes scar tissue and knots or areas of tension. By stimulating the muscles and applying massage techniques, we break down these tissues and encourage your body to heal. We also use these deep tissue massage techniques to help athletes relieve tight, tense muscles after training or an event. After the deep tissue massage session, you’ll find that your range of motion and flexibility is improved or fully restored.
One randomised controlled trial involving patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) found that deep tissue massage was notably effective at increasing range of motion, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life.
Reduced Stress and Tension
All forms of massage, including deep tissue massage, Swedish-style massage, and soft tissue massage, can be an effective way to reduce stress and tension. Deep tissue massage targets areas that feel tense or have ‘knots’ in the muscle, stimulating these areas to break down tissue and promote healing.
Deep tissue massage is sometimes described as uncomfortable or painful in a good way, as it uses firm pressure. Although it isn’t gentle like soft tissue massage, it does feel incredibly satisfying!
Ultimately, the reduced stress and tension are most noticeable in the days and weeks following your deep tissue massage, especially as any pain or discomfort you were feeling before the massage heals. One study exploring the effects of massage on patients with chronic tension headaches found that deep tissue techniques reduced pain significantly too.
Better Sleep
Deep tissue massage can also improve your sleep quality. Improving your range of motion may allow you to find a comfy position to sleep in. Likewise, reducing pain, stress and tension can also help you drift off to sleep a little easier.
This benefit has been observed in several studies. In one Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a study found that massage “effectively improved sleep” and was recommended as an alternative to pharmacological interventions (e.g. medication).
To benefit from improved sleep after a massage, we recommend booking your session in the late afternoon or early evening. This gives you time to get your massage, head back home, and unwind over a light dinner before heading to bed. Did you know that our Shoreditch and London Bridge physio hubs are open until 8:30pm on weekdays for massage treatments?
Correct Posture and Enhanced Performance
Focusing on the muscles in your neck and back can release tension and improve mobility, thus giving you the chance to improve your posture! Importantly, it’s up to you to make the most of this benefit. If you go straight back to hunching over your desk or slouching every day, your posture is unlikely to improve. Instead, use your deep tissue massage as a chance to reset your posture and take advantage of your new tension-free and rejuvenated muscles.
Deep tissue massage is also a core of sports massage which focuses on healing sports injuries, preventing sports injuries, and treating the body during tough training or before/after an event. By stimulating the muscles, it can boost recovery so you can get back to peak performance faster.
Before an event, sports massage can relax the muscles or prepare your body for strenuous exercise. After an event, deep tissue massage techniques can help you get a head start on healing and may even reduce some Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Read our Guide to Sports Massage to learn more.
Furthermore, deep tissue massage is a chance for you to better understand your body. By booking a session with a professional massage therapist with experience treating athletes, you can uncover any areas of weakness that you need to work on. It fosters a holistic view of the body and can be incorporated into your regular training for maximum effect.
Book a Full Body Deep Tissue Massage in London
To find and book a professional full body deep tissue massage in London, you should first look for experience and qualifications. If a massage therapist has neither and doesn’t display them clearly on their clinic’s website, that’s a major red flag.
At One Body, we work with a team of highly qualified physiotherapists with deep tissue massage training. Coming from diverse backgrounds, including NHS departments and athletic teams; you can browse their specialisations and past experiences to find the perfect fit for your needs.
For deep tissue massage, you can book 30-minute, 60-minute or 90-minute sessions at one of our award-winning London clinics. Let us help you relax, unwind and recover with a restorative deep tissue massage session today.
FAQs
What to wear for a full body massage?
For a full body massage, we will need access to your bare arms, legs and backs. In most cases, we’ll need you to undress but keep your underwear on. We recommend wearing loose-fitting and comfortable clothing so you can easily get undressed and dressed again.
What is a deep tissue full body massage?
A deep tissue massage uses intense strokes and pressure to reach the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue. For a full body massage, these intense massage techniques are applied across the body over the neck, shoulders, back, arms and legs.
What body areas are included in a deep tissue massage?
A full body massage, whether deep tissue, soft tissue, or Swedish-style, focuses on the arms, legs, back, shoulders, neck and sometimes head. You can also ask for your buttocks, hands or feet to be included. A full body massage will not encompass any private area of the body and you can ask your massage therapist to avoid any area you are uncomfortable with exposing.
