What is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff neck, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Deep tissue massage focuses on painful, stiff “trouble spots” in your body. Slow, deliberate strokes are used that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain, chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury.
How Does It work?
When a client has chronic muscle tension or injury, a therapist usually find adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
Fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage can be used. You may be asked to breathe deeply as I work on certain tense areas.
Will Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find experience some discomfort. It is important to communicate clearly when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. The way you breath will also help me determine how much discomfort you are experiencing.
Clients often have some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. It is advisable to drink plenty of water after the treatment.
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Postural problems
• Muscle tension or spasm