Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a slower, deeper massage to create more substantial change in areas that have knots or pain. It is an approach that allows time for the muscle and fascia to respond to the applied pressure and relax into a deep state of letting go of the tension. This can take 3 minutes or more so this massage is characterized by very relaxing, slow moving pressure – holding pressure in some spots for extended time. This also has the effect of moving the nervous system out of the fight or flight, sympathetic branch and into the rest and digest, relaxed parasympathetic branch. This results in a feeling of relaxed calm and allows the system time to regenerate and repair from the inside out.
Isn’t a Deep Tissue Massage Painful?
Some people have experienced a deep tissue massage and felt it was very painful! In my experience, a massage that is very painful results in the unconscious tensing up or guarding of the surrounding area to protect the body from what seems like an attack. It results in a client who feels beat up and a massage therapist who has to work extra hard and accomplishes much less.
Alternative Approach
An alternative to this is to pay attention to what effect a certain pressure has on the muscle tension. If too much pressure is applied, the muscle can tense and signal that it is guarding and a lesser pressure may be more fruitful. Too little pressure, and the therapeutic goals don’t get accomplished. Applying just the right amount of pressure in a deep tissue massage allows the muscle to relax and the session to accomplish as much as possible.
By applying pressure in this manner, most people do not experience the massage as painful. There is no need to guard against the work and so, ultimately, it is very effective. In addition, it is always encouraged to give feedback as to the discomfort so adjustments can be made. You should always feel the massage is being tailored to your exact needs and comfort levels. This applies for all massages – but especially for deep tissue massages.
Write a comment below to talk about your experience with deep tissue massage.
