Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is all about reaching the deeper layers of muscles in your body and realigning your Fascia, or connective tissue.  Fascia is an envelope of dense connective tissue that wraps around a region of muscles.  It acts as an organizer for our muscles by compartmentalizing them.

In the 1930’s, Dr. Ida Rolf (known as a founder of Structural / Rolfing technique), a Biological Chemist, conducted a 30 year research study on the properties on Fascia.  She found that these connective tissues could be manipulated and molded when heat is applied.  This heat is produced through deep tissue massage techniques.  By using fists, knuckles, forearms and elbows and body mechanics of the therapist, these techniques are achieved.  With lighter, more superficial, Swedish massage techniques only the superficial muscles are reached and fascia is unlikely to be manipulated.  In addition, the effects of Deep Tissue massage have been shown to last much longer than with Swedish techniques.  Deep Tissue Massage has several benefits including:

• Decreased muscle tightness
• Longer release from chronic pain issues
• Increased circulation and removal of metabolic waste
• Improved posture
• Increased flexibility
• Increased range of motion and mobility

Deep tissue  is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks and lower back pain.  This type of therapy is useful for all people.  This can be very helpful for athletes who expose their muscles to intense daily conditioning.  This type of therapy can benefit workers with desk jobs, those with high stress, repetitive movements such as typing, mechanical work, landscapers and grounds keepers, even for those who golf regularly, or play tennis as hobbies.

In many cases, a deep tissue massage has replaced the classic Swedish massage in terms of frequency of use.  People who have traditionally gone to spas and requested a relaxing Swedish massage are now seeking out a massage that conditions and heals deep muscles. 

Those suffering from chronic illnesses may also find deep tissue massage to be extremely therapeutic. Sufferers of chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis, and even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may find significant relief from deep tissue massage. The deep pressure in these sessions stimulate circulation in areas of pain, therefore allowing them to heal.

What to Expect During and After Your Deep Tissue Massage Session

During your massage, you may feel some discomfort due to the deep pressure.  But as tight muscles are worked and you are able to relax more, you may notice the muscles actually loosening during the session.  You will also notice right away that your skin becomes warm which usually induces relaxation.

Once your session is over, you may experience muscle soreness for the next few days.  In my experience, this soreness can be compared to the soreness you feel after a good work-out.  But your muscles will definitely feel relieved and looser, and you should notice much more mobility in your overall structure. You should be instructed by your therapist to hydrate well especially after your session to help with flushing the metabolic waste from your body. Hydrating will help decrease some of the muscle soreness after a Deep Tissue session.