What is Deep Tissue Massage?

We hear the phrase, Deep Tissue, thrown around when discussing massage therapy and what type best suits the needs of the individual. But what is Deep Tissue Massage anyway and how can it benefit you?

Deep Tissue Massage is a modality in massage that focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia. (fascia = protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, joints). 

This technique focuses on using firmer pressure along with slow, firm strokes using fingers, elbows, forearms, and the palms of the hands to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to get them to release. Deep tissue massage can also refer to the gentle and sustained pressure targeting the myofascial layer (band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs).

This modality can involve pincer technique (grip of muscle between the thumb and index finger used to release trigger and tender points in the muscle), kneading, cross-fiber friction near the joint ( applied friction to the muscle perpendicularly to the length of fibers), pointed fingers for trigger point therapy, compression (to encourage full muscular contraction by applying of gliding pressure across the muscle fiber), passive stretching and range of motion (client rests while the therapist moves joints for lengthening the muscle and increasing flexibility). 

Benefits of this modality are the reason this one extremely popular and some of them include:

*Releasing chronic (lasting a long time) muscle tension

*Releasing muscle spasms and trigger points

*Eases anxiety and stress

*Reduces arthritis symptoms

*Helps lower blood pressure/ heart rate

*Speeds up the recovery process from injuries

*Helps break up and reduce scar tissue

*Eases pain and discomfort

*Increases mobility and flexibility

*Facilitates the body’s natural healing response

Many of my clients come to me for this modality. It is under the Swedish Massage category as deep sustained gliding pressure. If you are interested in giving a deep tissue massage a try but are not sure whether it will be too deep or deep enough, let your therapist know. He or she should be willing to take the pressure slowly until the desired one is reached. Communication with your therapist ensures that you get what you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to try different therapists and different locations. Each individual has a unique style to offer and with each person comes unique energy and talent.