Parhaat syväkudoshieronnat lähistölläni: Jamisontown, Sydney

Deep tissue massages offer a range of benefits, from improved circulation and blood pressure to better sleep and a healthier mind. However, there is currently very little evidence to directly link deep tissue massages to the breakdown of fat.

That doesn’t mean a deep tissue massage, or any kind of massage, can’t be used as part of a well-rounded approach to weight loss. If it makes you feel better both mentally and physically that can only help!

After your deep tissue massage, you’ll want to ensure you feel the full benefits and maximise your gains. It can be helpful to:

• Rest: After an intense massage session designed to relax your mind and body, the best thing to do is help yourself stay relaxed. Whether it’s having a nap or just putting your feet up in front of the telly, let yourself feel the effects of your deep tissue massage. Try and wait for at least 24 hours before any intense physical activity
• Eat and drink - but keep it light: While you should ideally avoid eating or drinking too much before the massage, afterwards you should definitely hydrate yourself. It’s also normal to feel peckish after a massage, so a light and nutritious meal can really hit the spot
• Have a bath: Nothing aids the relaxation process quite like a warm bath - and if you’re feeling it, treat yourself to some bubbles or a bath bomb to really indulge yourself. However you should avoid a hot bath or shower as this can aggravate inflammation. If you have an injury, it’s better to take a cold shower or bath for pain relief.

To prepare for your deep tissue massage, one of the most important things is to avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking a lot of liquids before the treatment. A deep tissue massage involves intense pressure being applied to your body, which can be uncomfortable on a full stomach.

Otherwise, the main thing you should do is get yourself in a relaxed state of mind and body, so the massage can be as effective as possible. Try to arrive early so you can let yourself unwind before your massage starts.

Massage etiquette is a thing - and it’s important for both you and your therapist. When you’re undergoing a treatment, you shouldn’t:

• Disrespect your therapists’ boundaries
• Be late and expect your full time
• Dress down while your therapist is still in the room
• Make excessive noise

There are no hard and fast rules on how often you should get a deep tissue massage - it’s more about what feels right for you and what provides the most benefits. This could be daily, a few times a week, every month - whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Remember you can always ask your therapist to recommend a treatment plan, as their expertise means they’ll know how to address the underlying issues you may be suffering from.

You should talk to your doctor before having a deep tissue massage if:

• You take blood thinners or have a clotting or bleeding disorder
• You are undergoing treatment for recent surgery or chemotherapy
• You suffer from nerve damage
• You have any skin conditions
• You have wounds that haven’t healed completely
• You have a hernia

Feeling slightly sick or dizzy after a massage, particularly a deep tissue massage that involves intense pressure on your body, is quite common. It’s normally as a result of dehydration - a deep tissue massage releases toxins from your lymphatic system that build up under your skin. The best way to remedy this and flush out those toxins is to stay hydrated, so make sure you drink a little water regularly before your massage and hydrate thoroughly afterwards!

However remember, if you are feeling any severe discomfort, pain or sickness after your treatment, you should talk to a healthcare professional.