Depth Perception: Choosing Deep Tissue Massage
Over the years of writing about spas and practicing massage therapy in California I’ve come to the conclusion that no type of massage is so completely misunderstood by clients who think they completely understand it as deep tissue. These misconceptions are even harbored by some practitioners. The most glaring error is that deep tissue massage is the same as Swedish massage, but you push harder. Misconceptions can rob clients of a truly amazing and healing experience.
"The most glaring error is that deep tissue massage is the same as Swedish massage, but you push harder. Misconceptions can rob clients of a truly amazing and healing experience."
Deep tissue is not necessarily harder pressure, but smarter pressure.
Here are some tips about what to look for in a good deep tissue massage:
- Look for a therapist who moves you slowly around a bit to get to tight areas.
While a therapist presses on the superficial, or shallow, muscles of the body with greater pressure, he or she does affect some of the deeper muscles under them. But many feel that some muscles are simply not sufficiently accessible when clients are lying down with arms at their sides.
For example, I’ve treated some clients while they are sitting up. I often treat the front of the shoulder blade while the client lies face-up with the arm more toward the ear: Then I treat the area below the armpit and behind the ribcage. These muscles get very tight and are often the cause of shoulder pain.
Why is it that sometimes, when a Swedish massage works elsewhere, it just can’t seem to make much headway in the lower back? That’s because there are so many layers of muscle to get through.
One deep tissue answer is for the therapist to place clients on their side with pillows supporting their hip, and use careful pressure from the side.
I can’t tell you how many people I know have been relieved of years of painful muscle spasms when a deep tissue therapist uses even light pressure in the right place.
- Look for a therapist who does not use excessive force.
"You can really crush me. I can take it!"
Not necessarily.Another misconception is that more pressure is always better. Not only does this not always help, but it can actually bruise the body. Pain is an important message that the body is in trouble. The concept of, "no pain, no gain" is a foolish one.
Yes, sometimes you do need to face what people often describe as "good pain." But it should not be excessive. Tell your therapist when pressure is too great.
- Look for a therapist who spends time with each "stroke" in problem areas.
Therapists can treat a problem area as effectively and with a reduced risk of bruising if they push lightly to moderately for a longer period of time. Gentle sustained pressure on a painful muscle, if held for at least a couple of minutes, can relieve the pain and still let blood vessels or organs slowly move out of the way. You may think that faster is better because your therapist can get to more of the body if they rush. But my experience has been that waiting it out produces better results.
- Choose a therapist who listens, who communicates well with you.
Unlike massage in which the goal is relaxation, deep tissue massage seldom allows clients to "check out" during the treatment. It may be important for the therapist to check in with you several times to ask about pain levels, pressure, etc.
Always tell the therapist if the pressure is too much. This does not mean you are weak or can’t stand pain. It means you are paying attention to your body’s signals. If you really listen to your body, you will learn the difference between good healing pressure and pressure that is too much.
Also, tell the therapist if you’re uncomfortable with them working in a certain area. For example, if you don’t want your neck massaged, say so.
You have the right to say, "Stop."
- Look for a calming conclusion.
For me, the best deep tissue massage is one that ends with a few soothing strokes.
Deep tissue can send an area of the body into a sort of healing frenzy in which blood floods the area to treat the now- relaxed tissue, cleaning out the waste and bringing precious hydration and nutrients.
I always end each deep tissue treatment on an area with soothing Swedish or gentle Tai Chi massage strokes. The client’s body usually relaxes under the nurturing strokes, no matter how sensitive the area is. Pressure is usually light to moderate. This ends the treatment on a happy note.
To learn more about deep tissue massage I recommend Art Riggs’ Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques.
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