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Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue is a powerful,
therapeutic modality that focuses on the deeper
layers of muscle and connective tissue. Its goal
is to assist in the release of chronic tension
patterns and the associated pain. The
practitioner must start at a superficial level
and slowly ease into the deeper layers of
muscle. In a proper deep tissue massage, clients
often report feeling “good pain,” but should not
experience discomfort. On occasion, clients may
be slightly sore the next day or two from the
deep release of toxins and metabolic wastes, but
it is often described as a “good soreness,”
analogous to the sensation after a healthy
workout.
Deep tissue massage can be
astoundingly effective at providing relief when
done correctly. However, if pressure is applied
too deeply or too quickly, the client’s tissue
will lock up to protect the area and can result
in unnecessary bruising or pain. If done
incorrectly, clients can be left in discomfort
for several days. When clients are new to
massage and have such an experience, many decide
that “massage is not for them” and are reluctant
to try again—thereby losing out on what can be
one of the best ways to spend an hour.
I have had many clients
tell me that they have been hurt in the past by
therapists who have gone too deep. Conversely, I
have had at least as many clients talk about
their previous lack of success in finding
someone who can work as deep as they need. (Note
to some of the folks out there: this is not
about how tough you are or whether or not you
can “take it.” Please leave your machismo at the
door.) I pride myself on my ability to work at
an appropriate tissue depth, working with my
client’s feedback to achieve maximum results.
I have also had many
clients express their desire for deep tissue
massage that borders on—if is not
outright—painful when questioned. Deep tissue is
not a “no pain, no gain” arena; I often relate
to clients how I have received deep tissue
massage, breathed through it or actively worked
to relax into it, and realized three-quarters of
the way through the massage that if I'd asked
the practitioner to back off just a hair that I
would have gotten so much more out of the
massage. Generally, with deep tissue requests, I
tell clients that on a scale of 1-10 (with 10
being an “ow, ow, ow” flinching response) that I
don't want to go higher than a 6 or a 7; the
higher the client's pain tolerance, the lower
the number I want to work with them at.
In addition, there are
often instances when deep tissue
massage—although requested by the client—may not
be the best type of massage at that time. More
than once, I have started a massage at a deep,
specific level at my client's request, only to
struggle to see progress. When I change my
strategy to involve more relaxation-specific
techniques, I often see guarded, locked tissue
suddenly open. This is particularly true, more
often than not, of clients who have been
undergoing a rather stressful time in their
lives. I am happy to work at a deep level, but
there are times when it is not the most ideal
modality; I ask my clients to remain open-minded
so that we may work together to achieve the
greatest results.
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