Deep Tissue Massage

Description

Deep Tissue Massage is aimed at reaching both superficial and deep layers of muscle tissue throughout the body. Pressure is gradually applied to reach the deeper layers. Friction is used to loosen muscle attachments and muscle fibers within the muscle bellies.

Recommended For

Potential benefits include breakdown of adhesions within muscles (i.e. due to lactic acid buildup or scar tissue) in muscle belly and attachments, improved posture, increased range of motion, injury prevention, faster recovery time from previous injury, increased blood supply and nutrients and reduced muscle soreness.

Not Recommended For

Areas where varicose veins are present and/or if skin integrity has been compromised (i.e. in some cases of Diabetes). DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a total contraindication. If taking blood thinners, deep pressure is not recommended to avoid bruising. It is best to obtain your physician’s written consent before seeking treatment for a pre-existing or unknown condition. Also see Contraindications.

Deep Tissue Techniques

Technique	Description
Gliding Friction	Aimed at smoothing out tissue in muscle belly(s)
Transverse / Cross Fiber Friction	Aimed at loosening attachments at muscle origin and insertion and smoothing out tissue within muscle belly
Skin Rolling	Aimed at freeing up restrictions between layers of muscle tissue

This list is not meant for instruction and includes just some techniques which may be used as part of a deep tissue massage. It is not a comprehensive list. Note, Swedish techniques are often applied but, typically with various levels of speed and pressure.