To Deep Tissue Massage Or Not Too Deep?
Upon entering the massage therapy field a few years back, I encountered a puzzling term both in advertising and from clients: “deep tissue.” Never during my education, had I encountered this term. Initially, I dismissed it as merely a marketing gimmick, interpreting it as simply a directive to “push harder”. However, over time, I’ve come to realize that it signifies more than just marketing jargon. It alludes to the specific experience sought by clients. But more importantly, it refers to the intention of the therapist.
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
There is no commonly accepted definition for deep tissue massage in literature. If it needs to be specified as an independent massage modality then forming a description using the set of principles and techniques from Riggs could help: “”The understanding of the layers of the body, and the ability to work with tissue in these layers to relax, lengthen, and release holding patterns in the most effective and energy efficient way possible within the client’s parameters of comfort”3. Let me emphasize “within the client’s parameters of comfort”.
Certain individuals indeed require firmer pressure, often associating pain with progress, echoing the sentiment of “no pain, no gain.” However, as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), ensuring effective and safe treatment is paramount. Through my clinical practice, I’ve learned that simply increasing pressure doesn’t always yield beneficial results in the short or long term. Our bodies react to stimuli, and repeated heavy pressure can toughen connective tissues, leading to potential issues in the long run. Any technique that causes pain consistently can be counter-productive to realizing the benefits of massage as the body tends to tense up and revert to its pain-fighting mechanism aka triggering the sympathetic nervous system or the “fight or flight response”.
While deeper techniques may be necessary for addressing tightness, particularly in specific groups like runners or those with physically demanding jobs or those with chronic pain, it is important to follow up with measures to reduce inflammation and soreness, such as applying cold therapy, passive stretching and not overworking the muscles.
Closing The Gap
Conversely, I’ve grown to appreciate when clients request deep tissue massage, as it provides insight into their preferences and past experiences. It serves as an invitation to inquire further: Have they been dissatisfied with previous therapists? Were their goals and purpose from prior massage therapy sessions not met? Are they experienced and knowledgeable about what works best for them? I often tell patients who specifically request a deep tissue massage that it is subjective. They often mean that they don’t need a relaxation treatment (though deep tissue can be very therapeutic and in turn, relaxing) and would like to work on the muscle tension that has built up and experience some relief and increased mobility. Accordingly, I adjust the intensity of the pressure during deeper work to the patient’s comfort level and within their tolerated pain scale.
Differences Between a Regular Swedish Treatment And a Deep Tissue Massage
Intent: Deep tissue massage is primarily used to treat chronic pain, sports-related injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. Swedish massage is used to encourage relaxation and reduce muscle tension due to everyday routine activities.
Pressure: Swedish massage typically is a gentler form of massage. Both techniques are delivered by the manipulation of the soft tissue using hands and fingers, but forearms, elbows and even feet can be used during deep tissue to deliver firmer pressure.
Areas of focus: Deep tissue targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue to remove adhesions and treat pain, stiffness, and muscle and tendon injuries. Swedish massage focuses on the superficial layers of the muscles. A deep tissue massage is slower than Swedish massage as the deep layers get gradually worked on and is usually a focus-based treatment for one or two major areas of concern.
Treatment Philosophy
“Deep Tissue Massage” is very beneficial to treat conditions like strain caused on the body by postural issues, overuse, physical demands, exertion and repetitive movements. There is also some evidence that deep tissue massage can help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by chemotherapy 1, and reduce fatigue and pain due to systemic conditions like Fibromyalgia2.
Whatever your reasons are to get a deep tissue treatment, at Toronto Massage Therapy, I approach every session with the intention of meeting your treatment goals. I bring curiosity and encourage an open line of communication to discuss your needs and determine based on your input if deep tissue massage may be the appropriate approach or if alternative techniques may better serve your needs. And did I say I work “within your parameters of comfort”?
Get in touch to schedule your appointment and let me help you feel and move better!
References:
- Mazlum, S., Chaharsoughi, N. T., Banihashem, A., & Vashani, H. B. (2013, July). The effect of massage therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research.
- Li Y.H., Wang F.Y., Feng C.Q., Yang X.F., Sun Y.H. (2014) Massage therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2014 Feb 20;9(2):e89304. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089304. eCollection 2014.
- Koren Y, Kalichman L. Deep tissue massage: What are we talking about? J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):247-251. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.006. Epub 2017 May 17. PMID: 29861215.