Deep Tissue Massage
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue also called connective tissue.
It aims to release the persistent patterns of tension in the body (also known as "adhesions") through slow strokes and deep finger, hand and forearm pressure on the tight areas, either going across or following the fibres of the muscles, fascia and tendons.
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage and Sports massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It helps to break up scar tissue. Scar tissue? I hear you say. I don't have scar tissue. Well, we're talking scar tissue on a micrscopic level. Persistent overuse of a muscle or chronic tightness leaves the tiny muscle fibres with tiny scars. This is because the tissue hasn't had time to recover and regain proper function. It's the body's way of protecting itself and keeping the muscle functioning under stress.
Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness or discomfort during or right after the massage. It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish/Holistic massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a couple of days. You should always tell your therapist the moment the pressure becomes too much for you and you start to hold your breathe or stop breathing normally.
Why get a Deep Tissue Massage?
It feels good and it is beneficial to your health. If you are stressed muscles are tense, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to possible inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep tissue massages assist muscle tissue release, get blood and oxygen circulating properly and also “liberates” the knots. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water after a session to help eliminate these toxins quickly from the body.
So what is the purpose of Deep Tissue Massage?
The purpose is to "unstick" the glued fibres of a muscle while releasing the built up tension, eliminate toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle itself. It is both remedial and therapeutic.