Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a technique that is often used to treat issues in the musculoskeletal system, such as strains and sports injuries. Therefore it is often part of a treatment plan within the discipline of Sports Massage Therapy.
With the application of slow and deep strokes the inner layers of the muscles and connective tissues are targeted. This technique will help to break up scar tissue after an injury and will reduce the tension in the muscle and surrounding tissues. And like other forms of massage therapy, Deep Tissue Massage promotes the healing process of the body by increasing the blood flow and reduction of inflammation.
"No pain, no gain!" - this is an expression that is heard often. However, we do not fully agree with this. We have a strong belief that our body gives signals to let us know that something is the matter and that we should adjust our behaviour, our way of doing. One way how the body informs us is with pain, adding pain in order to "gain" would most likely aggravate the condition.
A deep massage is not a "hard" massage, which simply is the result of exerting more effort; it does not require more effort; it does not require exceptional strength or size.
Does this mean that Deep Tissue Massage is bad for us? Of course not! But it should be part of a well thought through treatment plan in which a gradual build up of techniques is guaranteed in order to prepare the tissues for the deeper work by a trained and qualified therapist.
How does Deep Tissue Massage relate to other forms of massage?
- Deep Tissue Massage is primarily used to treat muscle and sports related injuries and pain
- Deep Tissue Massage involves deeper and slower techniques, hence the name, and elbows and forearms are used to apply deep pressure
- Deep Tissue Massage targets the inner layers of the muscles and other soft tissues
As Art Riggs puts it clearly in his book "Deep Tissue Massage - A Visual Guide to Techniques":
"A massage should never consist entirely of deep work. This would be overwhelming to the client and exhausting to both client and therapist. Deep tissue techniques are intended to be used when the need arises, perhaps several times during a massage. It is as if you are driving on a country road and must slow down and downshift to a more powerful gear when encountering hills or sharp curves." - This is why we do not offer Deep Tissue Massage as a sole treatment.
This form of massage is not suitable for everyone and this will be discussed during a first appointment and consultation.