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What is a Deep Tissue Massage? | What are the benefits?
What is a Deep Tissue Massage? | What are the benefits?
Youu’ve likely heard of deep tissue massage but might not know its purpose or benefits. This form of massage therapy is a common choice for athletes, people with injuries, and those dealing with chronic pain.
Deep tissue massage techniques differ from other forms of massage therapy, so it’s important to determine if this is the right massage style for your needs. This guide will help you understand what a deep tissue massage is, why it’s beneficial, and how to get the most out of your session.
Introduction to Deep Tissue Massage
So, what is a deep tissue massage? This type of massage is often compared to Swedish massage, in which a massage therapist uses gentle kneading or circular movements to relax tight muscles. However, deep tissue massage goes further. During these sessions, massage therapists apply more pressure by using their forearms and elbows to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue, targeting muscle and tendon damage and stiffness.
Deep Tissue Massage Benefits
Deep tissue massage helps relax and de-stress the body and mind while providing potential benefits for various conditions.
Injury Recovery
Addressing an injury is a common reason people seek out deep tissue massage. This technique targets adhesions ー bands of rigid tissue that cause pain and inflammation ー that form in muscles, tendons, and ligaments after an injury. These adhesions can disrupt normal muscle movement and blood flow. Deep tissue massage breaks down these adhesions, reducing pain and potentially improving circulation and movement (1).
Overall, research shows that deep tissue massage can decrease pain in various injuries and conditions when combined with other approved therapies. For example, a 2014 study found that combining deep tissue massage with a self-stretch exercise program helped reduce discomfort associated with plantar heel pain syndrome (2).
Results of another study, focused on individuals with subacute or persistent neck pain, found that in the short-term deep tissue massage therapy was more effective than advice to stay active to address pain intensity (3).
Tension & Stiffness Relief
Individuals with chronic stiffness and tense muscles can also benefit from deep tissue massage techniques. Massage therapists can loosen tight muscles in targeted areas, such as the lower back, neck, and shoulders, with deeper, slower, and more concentrated strokes.
How to Prepare for Your Session
When you make an appointment for a deep tissue massage, there are a few steps you should take to be ready:
1. Stay Hydrated
It’s always important to hydrate, but it is particularly beneficial for a massage. If you’re dehydrated, your muscles will be tighter and less flexible during your session. Drinking water keeps your muscles pliable and allows them to contract more readily, which makes it easier for massage therapists to break up knots and tension.
2. Consider Your Needs and Goals
Before your massage begins, your therapist will ask about any problem areas. Tell them about specific injuries, pain, or areas of concern. Think carefully about what you want to get out of your session ahead of time.
3. Shower or Take a Bath
It’s considered good etiquette to bathe before your massage. Doing so ensures your skin is clean and free of oils, making it easier for your therapist to administer the massage. Most people also find it more comfortable to be freshly clean during a massage.
4. Dress for Comfort
It is a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. The loose fit prolongs the relaxed feeling you get post-massage. Additionally, you might feel sore afterward, so cozy clothing will make you much more comfortable.
Deep Tissue Massage Aftercare
Aftercare is just as important as a deep tissue massage. What you do following your session influences how long the effects will last. Here’s what to do following a deep tissue massage:
1. Keep Drinking Water
For the same reasons you should hydrate before your session, drink water after the massage. Hydrating can also help with the soreness you might feel post-massage.
2. Eat Healthy
You don’t want to eat a heavy meal after a massage, but eating something light and nutritious is important. Your body needs nutrients to properly recover from injuries and get the full effects of a deep tissue massage. A good meal should include lean protein, leafy greens, whole grains, and fruits.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Your body heals during sleep. Get at least seven hours of sleep the night after your session to allow your muscles to recover from the massage.
Ready for a Deep Tissue Massage at WorldSprings?
WorldSprings is a wellness destination that offers something for everyone. Relax while enjoying a deep tissue massage and other spa services, soak in the therapeutic hot mineral springs, and create lasting memories with friends and family. Visit us online to book your visit.
1. Deep Tissue Massage. National University of Health Sciences. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from, https://www.nuhs.edu/patients/health-information/articles/deep-tissue-massage
2. Saban, B. et al. (April 2014). Deep massage to posterior calf muscles in combination with neural mobilization exercises as a treatment for heel pain: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Man Ther. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24090993/
3. Skillgate, E. et al. (February 2020). Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. The Stockholm Neck (STONE) randomized controlled trial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468781219302036
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Gift a Hot Springs & Spa Experience at WorldSprings
on Sep 10, 2025 | 6 minutes
Gift a Hot Springs & Spa Experience at WorldSprings We all know a friend, family member, or colleague that seems to own everything. Instead of another tangible gift, why not give them an experience gift like a WorldSprings gift card? A trip to WorldSprings is an excellent staycation activity for locals and a great destination for out-of-towners to add to their getaway itinerary. Visitors get a chance to connect, relax, and recharge while making memories and bonding over a shared experience. Why Experiences Are Better Gifts Experiential gifts can create longer-lasting emotional responses and build better relationships when compared to material objects1. Gifting isn’t just about immediate gratification but rather how you want them to feel over time. In other words, a gift that provides long-term satisfaction is often more meaningful2. Giving the gift of a respite from their busy routine is perfect for everyone on your list, like your mom who could benefit from spa gifts to encourage “me time,” your best friend who’s always on the go, or your partner who could use a day to relax and unwind. After all, who couldn’t use an opportunity to focus on self-care? To add a personal touch, pair the WorldSprings gift card with a handwritten note recommending your favorite spa treatments or suggesting a soak in a particular globally inspired region of the wellness destination. The South Pacific Region is open to kids and adults, making a visit to WorldSprings the perfect family experience gift. Why WorldSprings Gift Cards Are Ideal for Any Occasion A WorldSprings gift card shows thoughtfulness because it encourages relaxation, rejuvenation, and wellness — something everyone deserves but rarely prioritizes. Presenting someone with an experience gift says, “I care about you” by opening the doors to enjoy something new. One of the most incredible things about a WorldSprings gift card is that the recipient can use it at any time! If you give experience gifts for couples on Mother’s Day or Christmas, for instance, the lovebirds can take a relaxing soak now or wait to visit the open-air facilities when the weather gets warmer. Order Your Experience Gift Cards Today A gift card to WorldSprings lets the recipient choose how they want to chill out. With more than 40 mineral hot spring pools, invigorating cold-plunge pools, indulgent spa treatments, and saunas all in a serene setting, WorldSprings offers a wellness escape like no other. The friendly staff and top-notch facilities guarantee visitors will have a tranquil or energizing experience. The destination also includes a chance to refuel at The Springs Café & Bar and enjoy poolside drink service during a soaking session. WorldSprings becomes livelier after dark. In the evenings, visitors can share stories around the fire pits and meet new people in the process. Giving the gift of relaxation can give you a little endorphin boost, too. Not only do you get to experience the joy of seeing your spouse or bestie light up when they open your gift, but you can feel good knowing that they’ll be completely relaxed and stress-free when they slip into one of WorldSprings’ mineral hot springs. Whether for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, a WorldSprings gift card is a thoughtful way to show you care. Visit WorldSprings today to purchase the perfect wellness gift and know you’re delivering happiness in the moment and long after. 1. Chan, C. and Mogilner, C. (December 29, 2016). Experiential Gifts Foster Stronger Social Relationships than Material Gifts. UCLA Anderson School of Management Journal of Consumer Research Advance Access. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from, https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/documents/areas/fac/marketing/mogilner/Chan%20Mogilner%20JCR%202016%20Experiential%20Gifts.pdf 2. LeCunff, A. The psychology of gift giving. Ness Labs. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://nesslabs.com/psychology-gift-giving
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The Benefits of a Sauna
on Sep 8, 2025 | 5 minutes
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Wellness and Saunas Saunas date back thousands of years to ancient Nordic people. Today, saunas are an integral feature in spas and wellness centers around the world. Today, one in three Finns still use saunas, and the U.S. has approximately a million units in use4,5. Spending time in a sauna can raise your skin temperature to roughly 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes intense sweating and an elevated heart rate as the body tries to cool down5. You could lose as much as a pint of sweat during a sauna session5! As the heart rate increases, your blood vessels dilate and your circulation increases as well1. The Sauna Experience Saunas are warm, peaceful spaces designed to promote relaxation and stress reduction. But beyond the tranquility they can bring, saunas can also promote your physical well-being. Four Physical Sauna Benefits According to several studies, sauna health benefits include: A lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality with regular use4. Relief from everyday soreness as well as the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis muscles6. Improved lung function in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with regular sauna use6. Better complexion thanks to the sweating associated with a dry sauna4. Preparing for a Sauna Shower before starting, especially if you’ve been exercising, as this helps remove impurities from the skin2. Be sure you’re wearing proper attire, such as a bathing suit or a towel, and enter and exit the sauna quietly to maintain a calm environment2. It’s important to enjoy your sauna time safely. If you’re new to the experience, begin with shorter sessions, no longer than five minutes. Once you know what works for you and what makes you feel best, you can try staying in for as long as 20 minutes. The heat will cause you to sweat, so be sure to drink plenty of water during the session and avoid alcohol afterward, as it can have dehydrating effects on the body7. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel weak, dizzy, or uncomfortable, step outside and ask for help from the staff6. The Sauna at WorldSprings Our saunas are part of a broader experience that aims to promote wellness through soaking sessions in mineral hot springs. For a complementary experience, consider pairing your sauna session with a cold-water soak. Moving between cold plunges and a sauna is an integral part of the Detox circuit of WorldSprings’ Mineral Method. This method, which you can incorporate into a wellness routine, is designed to help your body address overactive inflammation. We also offer a wide range of massage therapies at the spa to suit a variety of needs, including prenatal massage, deep tissue massage, and classic Swedish massage. Consider other wellness services, too, including the Procell Microchanneling Facial and yoga classes in the Sanctuary Studio. Sources Holman, T. (January 13, 2025). What are the health benefits of a sauna? HCA Midwest Health. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.hcamidwest.com/healthy-living/blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-a-sauna Andonian, N. (August 27, 2024). 11 Sauna Benefits That’ll Have You Ready to Feel the Heat. GoodRx. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/sauna-benefits#how-to-use-a-sauna Finnish saunas: how they work and their health benefits. Fluidra. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.fluidra.com/commercial-solutions/inspiration/blog/finnish-saunas/ (April 22, 2024). Dry Sauna vs. Wet Sauna: Understanding the Differences. Retrieved May 31, 2025, from https://sisulifestyle.com/blogs/resources/dry-sauna-vs-wet-sauna-understanding-the-differences De Pietro, M. (June 27, 2023). What are the benefits and risks of a sauna? MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313109 (August 12, 2024). Get Your Sweat On: The Benefits of a Sauna. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 31, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sauna-benefits Lindberg, S. (September 20, 2019). Health Benefits of Dry Saunas, and How they Compare to Steam Rooms and Infrared Saunas. Healthline. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-sauna-benefits
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on Sep 9, 2025 | 5 minutes
Humans have been seeking out hot springs and saunas to support their mental and physical wellness for thousands of years. The Romans built public bath houses for rejuvenation and socializing, the Greeks believed hot springs held divine healing powers, and the Indigenous peoples of what is now the American West are known to have sought out the therapeutic qualities of thermal springs1. While we certainly know more about the body and mind in contemporary culture, including how to detox your body, our ancestors noticed the remarkable healing powers of mineral-rich water and heat that are now backed by science. Though neither is a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, adding regular soaks and sauna time into your wellness routine will go a long way toward stimulating your body’s natural detox processes. Visit WorldSprings for a more vibrant, mindful, relaxed you. What Happens When Toxins Build Up? Everyday sources of toxins include processed foods, air pollution, personal care products made with phthalates and parabens, heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium, and pesticides. All these combined can lead to bioaccumulation, which is a toxic overload that affects energy, cognitive function, immune function, and metabolic health. This build-up can also cause oxidative stress, which is when an abundance of free radicals leads to inflammation, cardiovascular issues, cancer, and even neurodegenerative diseases. Some persistent organic pollutants are also endocrine disruptors, which can cause reproductive health issues and metabolic disorders2. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate these issues. Consider regular sauna time and soaks in our globally inspired, mineral-rich waters to improve self-care holistically. How Saunas Support Natural Detox & Wellbeing Improve Circulation As body temperature increases, so does one’s heart rate, which triggers the lymphatic and circulatory systems. With a standard 15–30-minute session, the heart rate rises to between 100–150 beats per minute. Alongside proper hydration, this supports optimal kidney and liver function—primary organs remove toxins from the body—by lowering blood pressure and increasing bloodflow3. Help Balance Hormones Saunas warm and relax the body; this process can activate the endocrine system, which is involved in hormone production—and that includes the hormones associated with mood. Participants in a Finnish study reported better moods after sauna use, likely due to these physical sensations. But research also points to the potential benefits of reducing toxins in the body through sweat, including environmental toxins associated with hormone disruption. Sweating has historically been considered a wellness remedy in cultures around the world, and the scientific community is examining these claims. A 2019 review of research on the roles of sweat found concentrations of some toxins in perspiration, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and related benefits4. Boost Skin Health Regularly sweating it out in the sauna will enhance your skin’s natural exfoliation process, promote collagen production, and reduce the impurities that cause acne and infections. Combined, this leads to healthier skin overall. Reduce Stress As your blood vessels dilate in the quiet, warm environment and circulation improves, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in and your body releases endorphins. In Finland, where sauna was invented, it’s also considered a social experience. This shared time with friends and family leads to connection, community, and a greater sense of wellbeing4. How Hot Springs Detox Your Body & Mind Allows for Trace Mineral Absorption Though most people don’t realize it, poor diet and an overcommitted lifestyle without proper rest can lead to many mineral deficiencies. In turn, this can cause all sorts of health issues like fatigue, depression, muscle cramps, and an overall weakened immune system. Hot springs contain minerals like magnesium, silica, lithium, bicarbonate, and potassium, which support liver function1. When submerged in our mineral-rich waters, you’re absorbing all that goodness through the body’s largest organ: your skin5. Helps Heal the Skin Barrier & Boosts Immunity Thanks to all those trace minerals (magnesium, silica, and calcium in particular) and their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, soaks can reduce the symptoms of dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis and help replenish the natural skin barrier, making your body less vulnerable to allergens and improving overall immunity. Boosts Oxygen Flow The warmth of the water causes vasodilation which leads to robust blood flow, better oxygenation to organs, and removal of waste products to achieve better cellular health. The mineral content also plays a supportive role by regulating blood pressure and reducing arterial stiffness. Sodium bicarbonate can even make your blood slightly more alkaline, which in and of itself improves circulation. Provides Pain Relief Chronic pain can impact your immune system, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Warm, buoyant, and mineral-rich water improves blood flow and helps reduce stress on the joints, circulate lactic acid out of sore muscles, and ease inflammation6. Promotes Relaxation & Restful Sleep Not only does mineral content like lithium stabilize your mood, but the soothing, buoyant warmth and natural backdrop of a hot spring will engage all your senses. This quiets mental chatter and eases you into the moment, where true mindfulness lives. When you emerge from the water, the drop in your body temperature mimics natural circadian rhythms, allowing you to sleep well and awake feeling rejuvenated–body, mind, and soul5. Visit WorldSprings for Mind-Body Wellness It’s no wonder people have looked to hot springs and saunas as powerful tools for self-care for thousands of years. From athletes to those with chronic illness and pain, everyone will find the combined physical and mental health benefits to be bountiful. As we begin preparing for back to school, the many festivities of the latter half of the year, and cold and flu season, we hope you’ll find respite, relief, and connection here at WorldSprings in our four globally inspired regions. Discover the Americas (Mexico & Guatemala), the South Pacific (Australia & Bali), Europe (Iceland & Italy), and Asiatic (Japan & Korea). Our therapeutic methods will help bolster a vigorous immune system and soothe the nervous system. If you’re looking for a holistic, full body cleanse detox ahead of a busy, stressful autumn, book a soak today. Take advantage of our incredible amenities, including our family-friendly Globe Pool, Finnish-inspired birch-lined saunas, firepits, cold plunges, wellness classes, and a massage or facial from our world-class spa. Sources (15 August 2024). Soaking It Up. Aspen Valley Health. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/healthy-journey/soaking-it-up/ (12 June 2023). Detox in Sauna: The Science of Sweating. Plunge. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://plunge.com/blogs/blog/detox-with-sauna-the-science-of-sweating Benefits of Saunas for Improving Detox Pathways And Supporting Your Health. LIVV. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://livvnatural.com/benefits-of-sauna-s-improving-detox-pathways-what-are-the-different-types/ Cafasso, J. (8 October 2024). Are Saunas Good for You? Understanding the Benefits. Healthline. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from /www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Natural Hot Springs. Finding Hot Springs. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.findinghotsprings.com/mag/8-suprising-health-benefits-natural-hot-springs (7 April 2022). The Health Benefits of Soaking in a Hot Spring. Aspen Valley Health. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/healthy-journey/health-benefits-of-hot-springs/
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