What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage describes a type of massage therapy that works very deeply in the muscles and connective tissue of the body to release chronic tension and adhesions. Deep tissue massage uses slow massage strokes, direct pressure with the hands or a massage tool and friction directed across the grain of the muscles to work. This type of massage is applied with deeper pressure than a standard massage. The work is usually localized to a particular area of tension and the client must be relaxed to allow the practitioner to work deeply. This type of massage is usually done at the deepest level the client can tolerate making the communication between the client and therapist very important.

What can it Treat?
Deep tissue massage may be incorporated into many forms of massage as a technique that is used briefly or as the focus of an entire session. Some conditions that deep tissue massage treats especially well include chronic pain, muscle adhesions, whiplash, lower back and neck pain, sciatica and circulatory problems. Deep tissue work is not recommended in cases of torn muscles, bruises, vascular weaknesses (like varicose veins), pregnancy, nursing or people who have a low tolerance to pain. Deep tissue massage can be used generally with other massage techniques for stress, anxiety, back pain, tension headaches, depression, poor circulation, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual cramps. Many other conditions would benefit from deep tissue massage also. Talking to a practitioner about your specific condition can help you decide what would work best for you.

How does Deep Tissue Massage work?
Deep tissue massage works by manually manipulating the soft issues of the body and correcting inappropriate patterns of movement. The different methods in deep tissue massage are used to return chronically tense muscles to a relaxed state and to break up adhesions that may have formed in the soft tissues of the body. Using deep tissue massage work can help prevent the formation of fibrosis in the body and allow for the formation of strong, mobile scar tissue after and injury. By breaking the adhesions in the tissues that hold muscle fibres together, new stronger bonds can be formed that allow for more movement between individual fibres. This increases the ease and degree that a joint is able to move, improves circulation and can reduce pain by reducing the irritation of nerves. A deep tissue massage may begin with heat applications and gentle pressure and move to working with the deeper tissues of the body as the massage continues.
Communication is open during the massage to assure the work is done within the patients comfort level.

What to Expect at a Consultation ...
Consults for deep tissue massage vary in length from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Usually the therapist will begin with some questions about the reasons for getting a massage, current physical conditions, a brief medical history, specific areas of pain and the specific areas to focus on during the session. The therapist is asking questions to screen the client for any reasons that a deep tissue massage would be harmful as well as to understand what the client expectations are.

Clothing
The client will be asked to remove as much clothing as they are comfortable with, however underwear should remain, then cover up under a sheet or towel on the massage table. The therapist will uncover only the parts of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected. Cushions and a face rest are usually used to make the client comfortable while on the table. After the massage is finished, the client will usually be given a few minutes to rest before getting up after the massage. The therapist usually leaves the room as the patient changes clothing before and after the massage. At the end of an appointment, the therapist will sometimes talk for a few minutes about what they found and make recommendations for return appointments if appropriate.