The healing benefits of deep tissue massage

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September 23, 2025

A deep tissue massage may be described as a “next-level” massage – scuba diving versus a casual swim.

Deep tissue massage is more than skin deep. Your muscles are lower in your body. Massage therapists use slower strokes and direct pressure to help relieve pain, stiffness, and tension.

When you have regular tension or pain, bands of rigid tissue are normally to blame. These bands (or adhesions) can block blood flow and cause pain, limit movement, and increase inflammation. In a deep tissue massage, your therapist will work to break down these bands to relieve pain and help you to move your body with ease.

Classic massage therapy is different from deep tissue massage. One focuses on stress relief and relaxation, while the other (deep tissue) helps you with a specific problem like pain, stiffness, limited movement, or an injury.

What’s the difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage?

You may be surprised to know that there are more than 80 types of massage. These range from more relaxing (think spa day) types to more intense kinds for rehab or pain relief.

Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are two common types. So, what’s the difference?

Swedish massages are used for relaxation, to improve blood flow, and to relieve muscle tension. The intensity is gentle, with long, gliding strokes, along with some tapping and kneading. Usually, anyone gets them, especially if you’re older, an athlete, or you’re pregnant.

Deep tissue massages are used for pain relief, especially for chronic or long-term pain. The intensity is vigorous. The strokes are slow, with your masseuse using their fingers, thumbs, and elbows. Usually, athletes, runners, and people who sit for long periods of time get deep tissue massages.

What Happens During a Deep Tissue Massage?

Massage therapists use their fingers, thumbs, or elbows to apply pressure. It is especially helpful for areas of your body that are subject to muscle tightness, like your neck, lower back, and shoulders. Some of the same strokes are used in classic massage. But with deep tissue, the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. Think of kneading bread.

What Are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?

While deep tissue massage may not always feel as relaxing as other types of massage, the benefits may be worth it. More research is needed to understand exactly how or why massage therapy may help.

BENEFITS

Reduced pain and muscle tension. The No. 1 reason people get a massage may not be all that surprising. Studies show a whopping 94% of people believe massage can help with pain, and more than 30% say they have gotten a massage for that reason.

Deep tissue massage targets deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues to relieve chronic pain and muscle tension. The American College of Physicians even lists massage therapy as a remedy for temporary back pain.

Improved sleep. Some studies have suggested regular monthly massages can increase oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) and possibly decrease cortisol (the stress hormone). The combo can lead to a better mood and good sleep, especially for those with insomnia due to menopause or congestive heart failure. If you’re sleeping better, you may see a decrease in depression or anxiety too!

Strengthened immune response. Can regular massages keep you from getting sick? One recent study showed an increase in white blood cells after a massage, which work to fight off viruses and infections.

Other benefits may include:

Breaking down scar tissue
Relieving constipation (especially post-surgery)
Decreasing cancer pain in some patients
Lessening fibromyalgia pain
Improving appetite

“It may seem like massage therapists are just rubbing, but we move with purpose,” says Dionna Freeman of Los Angeles, a licensed massage therapist for 20 years. “I’ve seen people who couldn’t move their neck side to side or were having trouble sleeping who now say they’re doing so much better. It’s not just a luxury. Massage can truly be therapy, or ‘church for the body,’ I like to call it.”

Talk to your doctor before seeing a massage therapist to ensure it’s right for you.

EU cyber agency says airport software held to ransom by criminals

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September 23, 2025

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Disruption has continued at some of Europe's busiest airports

The EU’s cyber security agency says criminals are using ransomware to cause chaos in airports around the world.

Several of Europe’s busiest airports have spent the past few days trying to restore normal operations, after a cyber-attack on Friday disrupted their automatic check-in and boarding software.

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA, told the BBC on Monday that the malicious software was used to scramble automatic check-in systems.

“The type of ransomware has been identified. Law enforcement is involved to investigate,” the agency said in a statement to news agency Reuters.

It’s not known who is behind the attack, but criminal gangs often use ransomware to seriously disrupt their victims’ systems and demand a ransom in bitcoin to reverse the damage.

The BBC has seen internal crisis communications from staff inside Heathrow Airport which urges airlines to continue to use manual workarounds to board and check in passengers as the recovery is ongoing.

Heathrow said on Sunday it was still working to resolve the issue, and apologised to customers who had faced delayed travel.

It stressed “the vast majority of flights have continued to operate” and urged passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

The BBC understands about half of the airlines flying from Heathrow were back online in some form by Sunday – including British Airways, which has been using a back-up system since Saturday.

Credit: bbc.com

Thousands protest in Brazil against bill that could grant Bolsonaro amnesty

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September 23, 2025

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Tens of thousands of Brazilians joined protests in cities across the country on Sunday to protest against a bill which could result in ex-President Jair Bolsonaro being granted amnesty.

Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup earlier this month and has been sentenced to 27 years in prison. He will remain under house arrest until his lawyers have exhausted all appeals.

But the ex-leader’s allies in the Chamber of Deputies have fast-tracked a bill which could see Bolsonaro and his co-defendants spared jail.

The demonstrators also expressed their anger at the lower house’s passing of a constitutional amendment which would make it harder to launch criminal proceedings against lawmakers.

Under the proposal, members of Congress would have to give their approval – in a secret ballot – before a lawmaker could be charged or arrested.

Critics have dubbed it the “Banditry Bill” but members of Congress who supported it said it was necessary to shield them from what they said was “judicial overreach”.

The proposed constitutional amendment will now go to the Senate.

Sunday’s protests had the backing of trade unions, social groups and left-wing political parties and drew tens of thousands of attendees in several major cities.

Many chanted “no amnesty” and held up placards calling Congress “shameless”.

At the event in Rio de Janeiro, veteran singers Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso entertained the crowds.

Credit: bbc.com

Feature: The Day That Gave Us Hope Also Revealed The Weakness Of Our Resolve

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September 23, 2025

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Many of us are surprised that, years after the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, John Mahama and his team seem to have largely forgotten his weaknesses and are ready to take us back to a period that should be buried in history, so the country can move forward with new dreams and hopes. Continually seeing Nkrumah as an exceptional leader while ignoring his mistakes causes us to repeat those errors, which hinder the country’s progress.

February 24, 1966, is etched into our collective memories—or should be—for those of us who remember that day of hope, courage, and expectation. Today, we look at a country again threatened by social, political, and spiritual darkness.

As a nation, we have failed to pause and remember the joy of the news of the 1966 coup and the happiness felt when the gates of the Nsawam Maximum Prison were opened, allowing those imprisoned for their views and opposition to Kwame Nkrumah, the man who brought tyranny and calamity to his opponents and to Ghana.

Of course, we need our heroes, but a careful, statesmanlike assessment of Nkrumah’s regime shows that his attempt to create a unified Ghana with a socialist economy was a catastrophic failure. His dictatorship and philosophy of establishing an economy where the means of production and distribution are controlled by the state and government devastated Ghana’s economy. We also remember how he removed a Chief Justice and tried to control the judiciary.

For many, 24th February 1966 remains a personal memory. History divides the past into before and after. February 24th is one of those days. Most people flooded the streets in euphoria, shouting and crying tears of joy. But some condemned the coup.

Over the years, the tragic coups have brought about almost irreversible setbacks to Ghana’s struggle for freedom and the ability to overcome tyranny and corruption in our politics.

Of course, we understand the dilemma John Mahama faces. He must take us back to that dreamland—the era that most of the population does not truly remember—to validate his points. The period since 1966 has been a tragedy of immense proportions for this country and its mostly poor people. Our politicians continue to stir up tribal and partisan conflicts and social divisions—a grim legacy first sparked by Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People’s Party, which has refused to return to its mythical lamp because our petty politicians cling to its magic.

Our politicians, scholars, and citizens resist open and honest debate…

We avoid addressing real issues…

All we care about are soundbites, money, and power. That’s all.

And the political musical chairs show proves that Ghanaians still haven’t moved past divisive partisan politics that fuel corruption and deepen poverty. The priorities of our leaders are to preserve privileges and monopolies, not to open markets or expand freedoms.

Sadly, we as a nation and a people are weakening; many are blind to the reality that we fail to confront the undemocratic drift, the declining values, the decay of our institutions, and the solidification of the country into a one-party state despite having a multi-party constitution. All signs point to one bleak direction—chaos and decay.

On February 24th, 1966, some woke up expecting normality from state socialism, which brought inflation, food shortages, and the rise of rent-seeking and corrupt politicians. And sure enough, villains on that happy day were already plotting to exploit the system and the coup for their own gain. We remember them—the ones who sold off state assets cheaply for themselves. The day that restored our freedom also exposed our weaknesses—greed.

Sadly, the poor citizens of this country have often faced not just mediocre but outright bad or even toxic leadership—leadership that has failed to match the moment and has taken us in the wrong direction.

State socialism, with its corruption and human suffering—economic ruin, widespread poverty, and loss of dignity—will never serve our country’s development. It didn’t work in the Soviet Union, it didn’t work in Nkrumah’s Ghana, and it has failed everywhere it has been tried.

If John Mahama is serious about resetting Ghana, he must start with a painful yet necessary, non-partisan national conversation about the country’s future. With so much division, disdain, and mistrust, strong leadership is more crucial than ever.

We need to be brave enough to accept, reflect on, and debate the conflicting motives—cultural, political, and economic—and understand why we continue to vote for narcissists who crave admiration, disregard others’ feelings, can’t handle criticism, and whose sense of entitlement and hubris lead them to exploit us. There’s a long history of authoritarian and corrupt leadership.

Ghanaians must stop selling their souls to the highest bidder that allow bad leaders to destroy us.

No more.

The people of Ghana must reclaim this nation—peacefully, patriotically—and not hesitate to take it back from these criminal politicians!

By Kwadwo Afari

“We managed our matches poorly” – Salis Abdul Samed reflects on Black Stars AFCON 2025 qualification setback

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September 23, 2025

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Ghana international Salis Abdul Samed has opened up on the Black Stars 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification failure.

For the first time in 20 years, the four-time African champions will not be competing in the prestigious continental tournament after finishing last in Group F. Ghana’s qualification campaign ended with three draws and three losses from six matches.

The midfielder, who now plies his trade for OGC Nice in the French Ligue 1 missed the AFCON qualifiers due to an injury setbacks.

Reflecting on Ghana’s qualification failure, the former RC Lens star asserted the Black Stars managed the qualifiers poorly.

“I won’t say that we were rubbish, but the team was under construction,” said the former RC Lens midfielder. There were lots of young players coming in, and the team was changing all the time. The manager is now creating his group and we are feeling a bit better. Unfortunately, we managed our matches poorly. “

Meanwhile, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament will be held in Morocco from between December 2025 and January 2026.

Despite their qualification setback, the Black Stars are now focused on securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup tournament.

Credit: ghanasoccernet

President Mahama reveals government support for Premier League clubs, ahead 2025/26 GPL season

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September 23, 2025

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President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that government has extended financial support to Ghana Premier League (GPL) clubs ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Each of the 18 Premier League sides has received GHC1 million following the launch of a partnership between the GPL and Adesa Production Limited before the season commenced.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Saturday, September 21, 2025 when Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars paid a courtesy call ahead of their CAF inter-club fixtures, President Mahama explained that the initiative was part of government’s renewed focus on sustainable sports financing.

“Aside from that, as a token, at the start of the Premier [League], we have managed to give every club something. It’s a start. I’m sure the fund will grow,” Mahama said.

The President attributed the government’s ability to make such interventions to fiscal discipline and efforts to cut wasteful expenditure.

“Like Kurt said, we’ve agreed that with all the savings we are making in terms of expenditure, we’re cutting down expenditure, we’ve cut down the size of government, we’re avoiding waste of our national resources. It frees up more resources for us to invest in the things that are important and sports is one of them,” he stated.

The President further stressed that football’s unique power to unite Ghanaians underpins the government’s decision to prioritise investment in the game.

He added that strengthening the local league is crucial to the growth of the Black Stars, pointing out that a vibrant GPL would produce more talent for the national team.

“And that is not resources that have been wasted. But also, when you have a strong domestic league, it reflects in your international assignments, especially with the Black Stars, because you are the primary source for players into the Black Stars.

“So if we support the domestic league and it’s competitive, it will breed more talents and the Black Stars will benefit from those talents and be able to also represent Ghana abroad.”

Credit: ghanasoccernet

Tension Escalates in Akyem Kukurantumi as Youth Attack Police Station Over Suspect’s Death

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR

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September 23, 2025

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Tensions have escalated in Akyem Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region, following a violent attack on the local police station by angry youth, sparked by the death of a suspect in police custody. The unrest erupted after Bright Kena, also known as B-Ball, died while in custody.

Bright Kena had been arrested on charges related to the possession of suspected marijuana. His death ignited widespread anger among residents, who accused the police of brutalising him to the point of death.
In response to the news, a large group of youth gathered outside the Kukurantumi Police Station and launching an attack with stones, clubs and other weapons.

The mob also attempted to set the station on fire and vandalised property, smashing windows and overturning furniture. The officers on duty were forced to flee, as the situation spiralled out of control.

However, the authorities have denied reports that the police station was set ablaze, clarifying that while significant damages occurred, it did not involve any fires.
Security forces, including National Security operatives and police reinforcements, were quickly deployed to restore calm by Sunday morning.

Despite the damage to the station, the situation is now under control.
As investigations into the cause of Kena’s death continue, the deceased’s body has been transferred to the Eastern Regional Hospital for autopsy.

The Police Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have launched an inquiry into the events surrounding his death.
The Ghana Police Service has closed the Kukurantumi Police Station for the duration of the investigation and all personnel stationed there have been temporarily withdrawn.

Video footage of the attack is being analysed and those responsible for the violence will be apprehended and prosecuted.
“We urge the public to pursue peaceful and lawful means to address grievances,” a statement from the police read.

The Eastern Regional Police Command has also met with the family of the deceased and community leaders, assuring them that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
Authorities have heightened security in the area to prevent further unrest.

‘Lucky’ Asante Kotoko will come and meet us in Nigeria -Kwara United coach warns

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September 23, 2025

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Head coach of Kwara United, Sanni Tunde, has issued a strong warning to Asante Kotoko, ahead of the decisive second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie.

The Nigerian side put up a spirited performance but fell narrowly to a 4-3 defeat against the Porcupine Warriors, in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kwara United clawed back late in the game, with Shola Abdulraheem, pulling one back in the 85th minute, but Kotoko held on to take a slender advantage into the return fixture.

Speaking after the match, Tunde remained upbeat about his side’s chances and insisted they would turn the tables when the tie shifts to Nigeria.

“Our assumption is not what we met. They are a bit luckier today, that’s it. They are a bit luckier, but they are coming to meet us at home,” he said.

Kwara United will welcome Asante Kotoko to the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abuja on Sunday, September 28, 2025 where they will be hoping to complete the comeback and progress to the next stage of the competition.

Credit: ghanasoccernet

Maxwell Konadu set to replace Frimpong Manso as head coach of Bibiani GoldStars

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September 23, 2025

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Former Black Stars assistant coach, Maxwell Konadu, is set to be named the new head coach of Bibiani GoldStars following the departure of Frimpong Manso.

Manso mutually parted ways with the Ghana Premier League champions after their 2-0 home defeat to Algerian giants JS Kabylie in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

The loss left the Miners with an uphill task in their maiden continental campaign, prompting the club’s decision to make changes in the technical direction.

Maxwell Konadu, who has vast experience in the Ghanaian top flight, is expected to bring stability and renewed confidence to the Bibiani-based outfit.

The 52-year-old previously handled Asante Kotoko, Legon Cities, Nsoatreman FC and the Black Stars B, winning the WAFU Cup of Nations in 2017.

His proven track record in Ghanaian football makes him a strong candidate to steer the Miners as they seek to defend their league crown and compete on the continental stage.

Frimpong Manso leaves behind an impressive legacy, having guided GoldStars to their historic first-ever Ghana Premier League title last season and victory in the GHALCA Top 4 Cup.

His exit, however, opens a new chapter for the club as they turn to Maxwell Konadu’s experience and tactical nous.

GoldStars are expected to make the appointment official in the coming days, with Maxwell Konadu likely to lead the team in the second leg against Kabylie in Algeria, as well as the upcoming Ghana Premier League fixtures.

Credit: ghanasoccernet

Today’s 3rd Round English League Cup Fixtures & Previews

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September 23, 2025

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Liverpool welcome Championship opponents Southampton to Anfield

Liverpool will begin their quest for an 11th EFL Cup when they welcome Championship opponents Southampton to Anfield on Tuesday. The Reds are first in the top flight with 15 points from a possible 15, while the Saints are 19th in the Championship with six points from six league fixtures.

The Merseysiders defeated local rivals Everton 2-1 on Saturday, but while they performed excellently in the first half, the team struggled to cope with the Toffees’ intensity in the second half.

Arne Slot noted that his players were experiencing fatigue having played in the Champions League last Wednesday, when they beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield.

Liverpool should be concerned by the fact that they have conceded two goals in a match three times, throwing away 2-0 leads against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid.

Despite some problems at the back, Liverpool have triumphed in every one of their outings this campaign, as well as winning all four of their games at Anfield.

The Reds claimed the EFL Cup in 2023-24, and they reached the 2024-25 final before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United in March.

Southampton could look to take advantage of Liverpool’s backline, especially as regulars like Van Dijk will be missing on Tuesday.

However, the depth and quality of the hosts’ squad should be enough to get them over the line, and it would not be surprising if they won their seventh game of the season.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Chelsea travel away to face Lincoln City

Premier League giants Chelsea are set to travel to the LNER Stadium to take on League One side Lincoln City on Tuesday in the third round of the EFL Cup.

The hosts are out to extend their impressive unbeaten streak, while the Blues will be hoping to bounce back from consecutive defeats in midweek.

Michael Skubala‘s Lincoln have enjoyed a strong campaign so far, losing just once across all competitions as they push for promotion to the Championship.

Despite the disparity in divisions between the clubs in this tie, the hosts will draw confidence from their excellent home record, having won five and drawn two of their last seven clashes at the LNER Stadium.

Lincoln had to overcome both Harrogate Town and Burton to reach the third round, and they will relish the chance to face top-flight opposition in front of their own crowd on Tuesday.

Most recently, the Blues were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United on Saturday, though they were hampered by an early red card for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

The Londoners are now sixth in the table with eight points overall and are seven behind leaders Liverpool already, though they remain just two short of fourth-placed Bournemouth.

Chelsea have consistently been criticised in recent seasons for their activity both on and off the pitch, but they continue to pick up silverware, lifting the UEFA Conference League last term while using the competition to give minutes to youngsters.

The Blues last reached the EFL Cup final in 2024 when they were beaten by the current top-flight champions, but they will be hoping to go one step further this time around and take a closer look at some of the exciting fringe players in their squad in the process.

However, the gulf in individual quality could make the difference on Tuesday, with the likes of Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao likely to be involved.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Barnsley, Brighton faceoff in EFL third round

Barnsley will have an opportunity to test themselves against Premier League opposition when they take on Brighton in the third round of the EFL Cup this night.

The Tykes have not progressed past the third round of this competition since the 2009-10 season, while the Seagulls are looking to reach the fourth stage for the second successive campaign.

With the small exception of an EFL Cup quarter-final run back in 1982, Barnsley are not in a position to boast about their history in this competition. In fact, the Tykes have tasted first-round elimination in four of their last seven seasons.

Barnsley’s unremarkable record in the competition has certainly got off to a good start.

Barnsley will head into Tuesday’s tasty encounter on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Blackpool in the league, which was the club’s second league of the season and also marked the second time in which they failed to score a goal.

Prior to that slip-up at the seaside, Barnsley were on a run of three straight wins across all competitions.

The Seagulls turn their attention to cup duties this Tuesday as they look to reach the fourth round of the EFL Cup for the fifth time in six seasons.

Brighton are not quite firing on all cylinders, but they are still expected to get the job done comfortably against their League One opponents. Barnsley to score but Brighton to win 3-1 is our prediction.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Fulham and Cambridge resume their EFL Cup campaigns

Fulham and Cambridge United will resume their EFL Cup campaigns when they clash at Craven Cottage in the third round on Tuesday night.

The hosts defeated Bristol City 2-0 to progress to this round, while the visitors have beaten Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic on their route to round three.

Despite facing a challenging start to the 2025-26 season on paper, matched up against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United and Brentford in their first five league matches, Fulham have impressively lost just once in their opening six games across all competitions.

The Cottagers came from behind against both Brighton and Man Utd to secure back-to-back 1-1 draws in the opening two Premier League fixtures, followed by Marco Silva‘s side claiming their first win of the campaign against Bristol City (2-0) in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Fulham were unable to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they disappointingly lost 2-0 to Chelsea on the Premier League’s third matchday, though the game might have been very different had Josh King’s opening goal not been wrongly disallowed – a decision which PGMOL have since issued an apology for.

Fulham are undoubtedly the stronger team heading into Tuesday’s tie, and even with plenty of anticipated rotation, we expect the Cottagers to comfortably win.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

FIXTURES

Barnsley 19:45 Brighton

Burnley 19:45 Cardiff City

Fulham 19:45 Cambridge United

Lincoln City 19:45 Chelsea

Wigan Athletic 19:45 Wycombe Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers 19:45 Everton

Wrexham 19:45 Reading

Liverpool 20:00 Southampton