Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
A deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissues. Deeper pressure is applied to major muscle groups with slowed down gliding strokes that flow in the direction of the blood returning to the heart. Deep tissue is especially helpful for chronic tension. The most common places that hold tension is in the neck area, lower back, shoulders, and on professional athletes, the legs. Areas that are chronically tense can end up causing ongoing tension discomfort and pain.
The skin is first lubricated with massage lotion and/or oils. Various slowed down massage movements are performed during a deep tissue massage.
All massage professionals have their own style of techniques they apply to various massage modalities which, vary per professional and may include the following:
⦁ Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
⦁ Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
⦁ Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
⦁ Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
⦁ Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
⦁ Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching
If at any time you start to feel any discomfort or pain, please inform your therapist so another approach can be taken.
Deep Tissue Massage Performance: Since a deep tissue massage is slowed down, it is suggested to scheduled at least an average of 75 to 90 minutes or, if needed two hours or longer. The session is usually performed on a comfortable massage table in an ambient environment that is meant to promote relaxation.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage: Like a Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage also promotes relaxation and increased circulation however; deep tissue massage can also provide relief in the fascia, relief from muscular stress and tension, and relief from chronic muscular health related issues from the day to day repetitive motions and past muscular injuries. A deep tissue massage may also help invigorate the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.
The following, are some examples of the many health benefits from receiving a deep tissue massage.
• Relieves stress
• Encourages relaxation
• Helps manage & relieves over all muscular tension, spasms, and chronic pain
• Improves flexibility & range of motion
• Lowers blood pressure
• Rehabilitates injured muscle tissues from injuries (whiplash, falls, sports injury)
• Helps with repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Helps with postural problems
• Helps manage & relieves over all muscular tension, spasms, and chronic pain
Effects of Deep Tissue Massage: A day or two after receiving a deep tissue massage it is normal to experience some muscular soreness (like you had a hard work-out). It however, should subside within a couple few days. The more your body is use to receiving a deep tissue massage the less soreness you should experience as your body gets use to receiving bodywork.
Recommendations Following a Massage: A deep tissue massage has a detoxifying effect on one's body. To rid your body of any soreness you may experience from receiving a massage, it is recommended to drink plenty of water to flush metabolic waste from the muscle tissues. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for the next 24 hours after receiving a massage.
Consultation: Prior to the start of any massage treatment, massage professionals will have each client complete a client health history intake form. The main purpose of a client intake form is to inform the massage professional of current and past health issues and injuries (within the year) so, special care can be taken to treat current issues and prevent additional injury.
Ethical Services & Professionalism: By law, all clients receiving services by a licensed massage professional must be properly draped underneath a sheet, blanket, and/or towel during all massage therapy sessions. During a massage you are generally nude or in undergarments underneath the draping. The massage professional uncovers only the part of the body he/she is working on. Our professionals will give each client privacy by leaving the room to wash their hands while each client undresses/dresses when getting on and off the massage table. Our professionals will also knock and ask to re-enter the room.
Precautions & Contraindications: Massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in some cases it is best to obtain a written doctors referral. Massage therapists, may not, under the written law, attempt to diagnose any medical conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for more information.
Additional Tip: May want to avoid eating a heavy meal before a massage.
Contraindications to Receiving Massage Therapy: Massage treatment is relaxing and natural. It is generally considered a safe treatment for most people however, there are three types of "Contraindications"where massage could be provided but may be limited or, massage is not recommended at that time.
