Parhaat syväkudoshieronnat lähistölläni: Woolooware, Sydney

When you get a deep tissue massage, your therapist will ask which area of your body you want them to focus on. There is no standard method - the treatment should be tailored to your specific needs, but all therapists will have their own individual styles too.

You’ll be asked to lay on the massage table, either on your front, back or side depending on what area is being massaged. Your therapist might begin lightly at first to warm up your muscles, before moving on to the areas of focus.

This will involve deep pressure being applied slowly with hands, arms and elbows to release your contracted muscles and tissues. The time it takes to complete the treatment can vary, but it will normally be between one and two hours.

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

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.

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.

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.

It’s normal to feel some soreness after a deep tissue massage, as they can be quite intense. Think of it as the same kind of pain you get after a hard workout! The treatment itself does involve high pressure being applied to your body, and there may be some discomfort - if it becomes too much, you can always let your therapist know.

However, it’s important to note that while soreness can be common, you shouldn’t be feeling any extreme pain post-massage. If this is the case, you should tell your therapist and your doctor too.