Deep Tissue Massage

Deep_Tissue_MassageDeep Tissue Massage is more active and intense. It is used to treat long-lasting muscle tension. The therapist applies slow strokes with the fingers, thumbs, and elbows, using intense to moderate pressure to reach deeper layers of the muscles than those reached with a Swedish massage technique. This is an excellent therapy for overall deep relaxation and detoxification.

Deep tissue massage is both corrective and therapeutic. It uses two methods, direct or indirect and is effective in releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, relaxing and soothing muscles.

The direct method applies pressure to the muscle with the intention of finding resistance in the body, and maintaining the pressure until the resistance is released. The indirect method moves in the opposite direction of the resistance. Releasing the tissues around the tense area, allows the muscle to spread and brings in blood and oxygen.

With both techniques the amount of pressure applied is dependent on the amount of resistance. Fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms are all used with long, slow strokes. Because of the focus on a specific area some clients find deep tissue massage uncomfortable and it may cause some soreness during or after. Providing the massage is carried out correctly any soreness should disappear in a day or two.

Unlike a regular relaxation massage, deep tissue massage works effectively on the skeletal structures that lie deep within the body. Many people seek a deep tissue massage to help in treating crippling diseases, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Through controlled manual manipulation, deep tissue massage breaks down scar tissue, loosens muscles, releases toxins and allows blood and oxygen to circulate properly. It is important to drink plenty of water afterwards to flush away the toxins released during massage.

The purpose is to “unstick” the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic.

 

The key benefits of deep tissue massage include:

  • Elimination of the blocks that cause muscle tightness
  • Increases circulation of blood, lymph,and interstitial fluids
  • Can resolve many chronic pain patterns by releasing deeply held emotions that cause tension
  • Helps improve the functioning of the internal organs and any associated symptoms or diseases
  • Improves posture and mobility