According to Dr. Janet Travell, a physician, medical researcher and the author of "Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual," a tender point--also known as a "trigger point"--is a hyperirritable spot in your skeletal muscle that's associated with a palpable, hypersensitive nodule in a taut, ropy band. A pressure point is tender when compressed, and it can cause pain to be referred or sent elsewhere in your body. Deep tissue massage targets your pressure points to reduce your muscle pain or discomfort. Adopting strategies to help you through a deep tissue massage therapy session, which itself may be uncomfortable, is important.
Deep Breathing
When your licensed massage therapist (LMT) performs deep tissue massage, he'll evaluate your muscles for the presence of pressure points. An LMT trained in the art and science of deep tissue massage will be able to locate your pressure points quickly, and will target those points using his hands, elbows or an appropriate trigger point tool. When you're LMT begins working out your pressure points or the muscles containing your pressure points, you're likely to experience a heightened sense of discomfort in that area. A key to eliminating your pressure points is to practice deep breathing techniques. According to Austin, Texas-based massage therapist Sabrina Rauch, practicing deep breathing techniques during massage therapy helps bring more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues being worked, allowing your muscles to respond optimally to massage. Deep breathing techniques also can shift your focus from the temporary discomfort of the procedure to a relaxed, meditative state, which enhances healing and favorably alters your perception of pain.
Communication
Because deep tissue massage and pressure point work can occasionally be uncomfortable, it's important that you communicate clearly with your LMT during your deep tissue massage sessions, so that he knows when he's using too much pressure and needs to back off. Communicating your level of comfort and acceptance with the procedures being performed helps your LMT understand your pain threshold, and helps him know the best ways that he can treat your pressure points. You should also let your LMT know when the force he's applying to your pressure points is not sufficient. Some pressure points are located in muscles deep under the surface of your skin and light, superficial pressure will not be enough to reduce them effectively. Knowing what you're body needs comes with experience, and a person who undergoes regular massage therapy will know their problem areas and their pressure tolerance levels.
Hydration
Your pre-massage and in-session hydration status has a significant impact on the effectiveness of deep tissue and pressure point massage, according to TandemPoint.com. If you're dehydrated before or during your appointment, you're healing experience will be suboptimal, as your pressure points either will not release or they'll release extremely slowly. Scenarios where you might want to reschedule your massage appointment due to dehydration include if you have just finished a long plane flight, are recovering from a night of heavy alcohol consumption, if you have consumed considerable amounts of caffeine during the hours leading up to your appointment or if you have been exercising in hot, humid conditions and your electrolyte balance is off. Arriving well-hydrated and chemically-balanced at your massage therapy session is crucial for your treatment to be successful, especially regarding the reduction of your pressure points.
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