What is Deep tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage 

This is applied in a systematic way, concentrating on the deeper layers of the body’s soft tissues. The aim is to release chronic patterns of tension in the body. This is done through slow strokes and deep pressure on a certain contracted area or areas. This type of massage can be therapeutic as well as corrective, and if done properly should not cause excessive pain for the client nor any strain for the therapist. Working deeply does not equate with working harder or with more effort, but is the result of specific deep tissue massage techniques combined with knowledge of the different layers of the body’s soft tissues.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

This is a phrase that is often used by massage therapists to indicate that they will be using strong pressure, and won’t just be applying oil onto the skin. However deep tissue work is not just about the amount of pressure used.

The Massage techniques used during a deep tissue massage session can include the use of knuckles, fists, elbows, and forearms. The pace of a deep tissue massage session is usually slower than that of other massage work, to enable the therapist to pick up information from the client’s tissues, assess the best way to address the tension and contractions found, and apply careful and sensitive pressure in order to achieve a comfortable and lasting release.

Who Will Benefit from a Deep Tissue Massage? 

This type of massage is highly beneficial for people who suffer from consistent muscle pain, especially in the muscles around the neck, lower back and shoulders. This can be caused by work related postural problems, leisure activities such as gardening, sports and exercise related injuries, and can also be the end-result of long-term emotional stress and tension.

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

The Massage therapist’s intention is to work on all the layers of the body’s soft tissues and particularly the structure, which covers and encases them – the fascia. Injury, illness or prolonged immobility can cause fascia to become stiff, hardened or stuck to adjacent structures. This in turn causes pain, reduced mobility and will eventually result in loss of function. Sometimes parts of the treatment can be uncomfortable with the possibility of pain, however, a good massage therapist should always respect your pain tolerance levels, and will work with you to find a level of pressure that is comfortable for you.

How Does a Deep Tissue Massage Work?

When a client suffers pain or stiffness in the muscles and joints this can be caused from long term muscle tension, postural imbalance, overuse or an injury. All these things can cause the muscle fibres to become shortened and tiny pockets of scar tissue to form (fibrosis). Then larger areas of scar tissue will get laid down as an injury heals. 

These shortened muscle fibres also result in reduced blood flow to the area, and will result in an inefficient removal of the metabolic waste products by the lymphatic system. The end result of this is areas of the soft tissues that become stiff, hardened, and fused together in contracted bands or sometimes known as adhesions. Normal movement becomes either reduced or impossible, and stiffness and pain will then set in. Deep tissue massage works by gently but firmly working across these bands to separate the tissues again, to lengthen shortened and contracted soft tissue structures, and to encourage efficient circulation to and from the affected area. 

Who Benefits from a Deep Tissue Massage?

People who suffer from consistent muscle pain, especially in the muscles around the neck, lower back and shoulders will greatly benefit from this type of massage. These issues can be caused by work related postural problems, leisure activities such as gardening, sports and exercise related injuries, and can also be the end-result of long-term emotional stress and tension.

What are the Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage?

• A release of tension and stiffness from muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and fascia

• Pain relief in the area worked

• It breaks down old scar tissue and adhesions

• Pain management

• Increased flexibility and suppleness

• Improved mobility, posture and physical performance

• A faster and more efficient recovery from injury or surgery

What Can I expect After a Treatment?

When a deep tissue massage is done correctly, the benefits are experienced within the next few days. Som people experience rejuvination others feel a bit sore. It all depends on the therapy session and what was done during that treatment. Any stiffness or pain experienced after a deep tissue massage is a completely normal and should subside within 24-72 hours.

We recomend that you rest and relax as much as possible after your deep tissue massage treatment, take a warm bath or shower, and always drink lots of water and/or herbal teas. This will aid the body to eliminate any waste and toxins that have been released from the soft tissues. Always avoid caffeine and alcohol.