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Deep Tissue Massage

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

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 necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise, tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

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.

Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

At certain points during the massage, you may experience some discomfort. It is important to communicate with the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. It should “hurt so good”. Additionally, clients may have some stiffness or tenderness after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. It is recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and clients who have sustained physical injury.

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