Types of Massage Therapy & Bodywork: Deep Tissue Massage
DEEP TISSUE
Background: The Alternative Therapy of Deep Tissue Massage can be thought of as a subset of Swedish Massage with influences from other styles of massage. Deep Tissue is an umbrella name for an eclectic set of techniques that do not necessarily arise out of any specific massage modality. Generally Deep Tissue massage therapists focus on the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia or connective tissue. The techniques or strokes that are commonly used in Swedish massage are modified in Deep Tissue massage to provide a more intense or more focused massage experience aimed at releasing the underlying physical tension contributing to chronic body aches. Deep tissue massage has been a part of all different types of massage in the various countries throughout the world since the inception of massage.
Methods: This form of alternative therapy focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. The massage therapist commonly uses slower techniques to access the deeper fascia, or uses friction techniques across the grain of the muscle to concentrate on areas of tension or pain. With chronic muscle tension or injury, one often has adhesions, which are bands of painful, adhered tissue found in muscle, tendons, and ligaments. Those adhesions can block circulation thereby limiting movement, causing pain and inflammation. Deep Tissue massage focuses on physically breaking down the adhesions to reduce inflammation and pain, and ultimately to restore normal movement.
Results: Individuals with chronic tension in the neck and shoulders, or low back and leg pain often turn to Deep Tissue Massage. Other conditions that may be helped by Deep Tissue Massage Therapy include repetitive strain such as carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, post-surgery, chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries like falls or whiplash, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis pain, and muscle tension or spasm.
Education/Career: Some form of deep tissue massage is taught at virtually all Massage and Bodywork Therapy schools. It is also one of the mostly commonly requested forms of massage and bodywork. For aspiring alternative therapists looking for work in a spa or resort, a background in deep tissue massage is a must because it is the modality that most clients have experienced and expect from their massage therapists.
