People who hear the phrase "deep tissue massage" may think this treatment is too painful to enjoy. However, in the hands of a capable therapist, a deep tissue massage is not painful or unpleasant. You, as the client, are involved in the process. Your therapist will take direction from you and adjust her massage strokes accordingly, which prevents a painful experience. A deep tissue massage is effective in reducing chronic pain.
Purpose
Deep tissue massage creates changes in your movement and posture. It focuses on releasing chronic muscle contraction and it mobilizes fascia, which is the connective tissue that supports your muscles. Layers of connective tissue are moist, and when healthy they slide easily over each other. Injuries, inflammation, postural habits and emotional tension cause scar tissue and adhesions. Deep tissue massage can release scar tissue and adhesions, allowing your muscles to stretch and relax normally again.
Techniques
Deep tissue massage therapists should have detailed knowledge of anatomy. They also should have the ability to identify muscles by touch, and to picture the layers of muscle and connective tissue under the skin all the way to the skeleton. The therapist uses stiff fingers, thumbs, soft fist, or his forearm and elbow to stretch your superficial tissues. As your tissues relax, the therapist can feel deeper structures. He will continue stretching each layer of tissue until he can't feel any adhesions or contracture. To avoid injury, your therapist will work slowly, layer by layer, allowing you time to speak up if the work becomes painful.
Precautions
Deep tissue massage generally is safe. You should not receive deep massage if you have osteoporosis, a history of blood clots, inflamed varicose veins or any inflamed skin condition--this includes open wounds, scratches or cuts that are draining. You should not receive any style of massage if you have an infection or a contagious illness.
Consult your physician before scheduling a massage if you've recently had surgery, suffer from a serious or long-term illness, or use such medical devices as a stent or pacemaker. Give your complete medical history to your therapist, including your medications. During the massage, let your therapist know if any massage stroke hurts so he can change what he is doing.
Side Effects
You can be injured by a deep tissue massage therapist. Injuries may include nerve compression and migration of a stent, necessitating open heart surgery, according to a June 2008 article in the "Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology." Less serious side effects include bruising and soreness. The massage should not be painful. If your massage therapist feels that pain is necessary, or if she won't lighten her touch or listen to your concerns, end the massage and leave. Find a massage therapist who is willing to work with you, rather than on you.
Expert Insight
Ask a local massage school for referrals. Schedule a deep tissue massage in the student clinic, where you can receive a massage from an advanced student under the supervision of an instructor. Ask your friends for their recommendations. Ask massage therapists about their training and whether they are licensed.
References
- "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Effects of Myofascial Induction Techniques on Physiologic and Psychologic Parameters; Fernández-Pérez AM, et al.; September 2008
- "Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology"; Massage-Induced Delayed Venous Stent Migration; Haskal ZJ; June 2008
- "The Journal of Pain"; Massage Reduces Pain Perception and Hyperalgesia in Experimental Muscle Pain; Frey Law LA, et al.; August 2008
- "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America"; Rolfing; Jones TA; November 2004
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