What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective
tissue. This type of massage is used for certain types of pain and chronic muscle tension. It is designed for those with chronically
tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and
concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually 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 breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Often the
movements are directed across the grain of the muscles (cross-fiber) using the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. This is applied with
greater pressure and at deeper layers of the muscle than Swedish massage and that is why it is called deep tissue.
Deep does not necessarily mean hard. With the proper technique, muscles deep in the body can be reached with a minimum of
pressure for some.
Will deep tissue massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort. It is important to tell the massage
therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. I tell my clients to go by a
scale of 1 to 10 with 7 as the most comfortable discomfort level and any thing higher you do not want. The client then has control
over the level of intensity.
There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. I recommend
applying ice to the area after the massage or in the evening. This assists in the healing of the muscle even before the therapy
was done. It is called crynotherapy.
What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
What can I expect during my visit?
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage. You may be
asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. People often notice improved range of motion
immediately after a deep tissue massage. It is also important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush
metabolic waste from the tissues.
How Fast Will I Get Results With A Deep Tissue Massage?
It is important to be realistic about what one massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the
therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just will not happen. In fact, undoing chronic
knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your
posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.
Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy could
also produce profound release and realignment in the body.
Precautions
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
Some individuals either have a high pain tolerance or cannot feel very deep work. It is important to also know that the massage
therapist knows what pressure can be applied to the area to be safe and affective.
Why some individuals do not feel deep tissue therapy or deep pressure is: they may be taking pain medicate, taking depression
or prescription medication for emotions can limit the amount of what you feel, and even anger or aggression issues I have
noticed in clients can cause this.
Additional tips
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.
If it is your first time client of mine, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes
early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective
tissue. This type of massage is used for certain types of pain and chronic muscle tension. It is designed for those with chronically
tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and
concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually 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 breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Often the
movements are directed across the grain of the muscles (cross-fiber) using the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. This is applied with
greater pressure and at deeper layers of the muscle than Swedish massage and that is why it is called deep tissue.
Deep does not necessarily mean hard. With the proper technique, muscles deep in the body can be reached with a minimum of
pressure for some.
Will deep tissue massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort. It is important to tell the massage
therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. I tell my clients to go by a
scale of 1 to 10 with 7 as the most comfortable discomfort level and any thing higher you do not want. The client then has control
over the level of intensity.
There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. I recommend
applying ice to the area after the massage or in the evening. This assists in the healing of the muscle even before the therapy
was done. It is called crynotherapy.
What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?
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
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
What can I expect during my visit?
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage. You may be
asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. People often notice improved range of motion
immediately after a deep tissue massage. It is also important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush
metabolic waste from the tissues.
How Fast Will I Get Results With A Deep Tissue Massage?
It is important to be realistic about what one massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the
therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just will not happen. In fact, undoing chronic
knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your
posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.
Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy could
also produce profound release and realignment in the body.
Precautions
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
- infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- immediately after surgery
- immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
- Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before
having a massage - Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant
women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage. - Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of
recent fractures.
Some individuals either have a high pain tolerance or cannot feel very deep work. It is important to also know that the massage
therapist knows what pressure can be applied to the area to be safe and affective.
Why some individuals do not feel deep tissue therapy or deep pressure is: they may be taking pain medicate, taking depression
or prescription medication for emotions can limit the amount of what you feel, and even anger or aggression issues I have
noticed in clients can cause this.
Additional tips
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.
If it is your first time client of mine, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes
early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Deep Tissue Massage Therapy |
Deep tissue ~ Trigger Point Massage
This massage deals with specific areas
needing deep tissue work. For areas of
knots and rehabilitation areas from
accidents and over worked muscles.
I hr $75
~ Schedule your session today ~
Trigger Point Therapy
This massage deals with specific areas
needing deep tissue work. For areas of
knots and rehabilitation areas from
accidents and over worked muscles.
I hr $75
~ Schedule your session today ~
Trigger Point Therapy