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Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but the deeper pressure is more beneficial for chronically tight muscles of the body.
The focus of this technique is to penetrate through the superficial (surface) layers of the skin and muscle fibres to the deeper layers of muscle, connective tissue (known as fascia) and tendons. The technique incorporates long, slow deep strokes following the direction of the muscle fibres. As the name suggests, deep tissue massage is applied with firm to very firm pressure. |
What it involves
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Deep tissue massage is not usually offered in complete isolation to other techniques. The therapist will usually begin by warming up the area to be massaged with some Swedish relaxation techniques and/or myofascial release work before applying deep tissue massage techniques. They may also apply Trigger Point Therapy as they work through the deeper layers of muscles and find trigger points, or knots, in the muscle layers.
It’s really important for you to communicate with your therapist through the deeper work in a Deep Tissue Massage. Your therapist will work to the level of pressure they feel the muscle needs, however they cannot feel your pain. The “no pain no gain” theory doesn’t always apply here. While deep tissue massage may involve some level of discomfort, most clients refer to this as “relieving pain” or “good pain”, and breath work can be used to relieve the more painful areas. However, at no time should you experience “extreme” or “unbearable” pain. If the pressure and technique is so painful you are no longer able to relax into it and breath through it, please communicate this to your therapist so they can modify the technique and/or pressure. |
What it's good for |
Deep Tissue Massage is a great choice if you suffer from:
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