What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
Posted on 31st October 2019 at 10:00
“A massage should never consist entirely of deep work. This would be overwhelming to the client. Deep tissue techniques are intended to be used when the need arises, perhaps several times during a massage.” – Art Riggs
This quote sums up how we like to approach deep tissue massage or DTM. At Fire & Earth we apply these techniques successfully whilst still offering a stress relieving experience. We do this by understanding that our deeper techniques are based within a relaxing massage. This is essential when releasing tension at the site of pain.
The relaxation of massage has been proven in scientific studies to be a powerful medicine for the central nervous system. It’s been reported to reduce the automatic nervous system’s response to pain. The electric charge within the body is returned to its balanced natural state. This feeling of tension release provides our clients with the feel-good factor.
Yes, the pressure does need to be deep at times to really reach those stubborn ‘knots’ that need releasing, but if it were always like this you as the client would tense up, which makes the massage less effective.
The old method of ‘no pain no gain’ doesn’t work today with what we now know about soft tissue, including connective tissue, and how it behaves.
What are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage techniques allow the Sports Massage Therapist to apply deep strong pressure without causing strain to their hands, (forearms and elbows are used primarily), or inflict uncomfortable pain on the client. Keeping the pace slow means less discomfort to the client and you have time to get feedback from the client as to how this is feeling for them. The techniques are applied by using controlled moves to achieve maximum results within in short period of time.
Deep friction-based techniques are designed to alter the tissue alignment and are beneficial in specific areas of tension. The deep tissue massage techniques must flow to allow the client to relax, which in turn gives the therapist the ability to work deeper into the layers of soft tissue which will allows more tension release.
The end result is the client feels relief from stiffness or pain and the therapist has produced these results without hurting themselves.
What’s the difference between a deep tissue massage and a sports massage?
We get asked a lot what the difference is between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue techniques form part of our overall treatments: basic massage moves such as effleurage, wringing, and frictions/pressures are fundamentally the core techniques. These techniques can be applied lightly or deeply. As we get deeper, we can start to use elbows, forearms, heal of the hand and reinforced thumbs to apply good pressure without hurting ourselves. This means we are also making it more comfortable for the client whilst applying the correct pressure.
Therapists will use deep tissue massage techniques to address muscle dysfunction such as neck or shoulder tension or postural issues. It is also great if there are no muscular issues or dysfunction at all but the client just wants a lovely relaxing, deep massage.
We use DTM as the basis of all our sports massage treatments. What makes it a sports massage is adding in further techniques that address injuries such as soft tissue release or trigger pointing that target scar tissue or adhesions.
Our therapists are qualified in all these techniques so we know what blend is best to use for you on the day of your massage. Depending on what you need at that moment we will use the right set of tools to get you the best results.
Will a deep tissue massage hurt?
Our therapists apply DTM techniques slowly whilst increasing the pressure. The pressure is held for a short period of time whilst the client relaxes, and this enables the tissues to release tension. The slow pace allows depth without pain to the client.
The slower the move the deeper you can go without causing pain and the more you can feel the tissues. Both client and therapist win! We will always keep communicating with the client throughout the massage to make sure that the pressure is OK and not too much or too little. If we know that the pressure needs to be deep to release a particular spot we will ask the client to breathe deeply as the pain and pressure increases and then disperses.
Always remember to tell your therapist if the pressure is too much.
We need to know so we can make it the best experience for you. Some pressure maybe needed at times, but you are in control and we can stop or adapt at any time.
Book your deep tissue massage in Coventry, Leamington, Kenilworth or Nuneaton now.
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