Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage began in the early 1900s to help with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation. The sub-layers of musculature and fascia are affected, removing lactic acid, toxins and long-held tension. Deep tissue massage helps micro-stretching of specific muscle fibers that whole body stretching doesn't address. Deep tissue massage may combine compression, milking drainage, friction, vibration, and tapotement.

How does deep tissue massage work?

A taut muscle may feel like matted cords. The cords have tender nodes called trigger points. Sufficient pressure on trigger points results in the relaxation of the muscle. Repeated milking moves blood and lymph through the muscle to rinse out accumulated metabolic waste. Deep tissue massage is not excessive in speed or pressure and should not destroy tissue or be painful. Trigger points may be tender, but any sensation should feel therapeutic.

What occurs in a deep tissue massage?

The muscle to be treated is relaxed and lengthened. The practitioner softens each layer to access deeper tissue with slow, short strokes. Skin is moved over the tissues underneath. Massage across and along the length of the muscle releases trigger points in the belly of the muscle. Pressure at “seven” on a scale of ten is applied and continues until tenderness subsides to “three” out of ten. Each trigger point is worked for a minute, but may be revisited several times.

- Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by C. Davies
- Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction by Simons and Travell
- Regional Muscle Tension and Pain by Danneskiold-Samoe