Deep Tissue Massage – Is it right for me?
Time and time again the debate amongst therapist and the general public arises on “deep tissue” massage.
What is deep tissue massage anyway?
The size of the therapist?
Not necessarily. A properly trained therapist that utilizes good body mechanics can exert plenty of pressure needed to accomplish the goal at hand. The “average” pressure used from therapist to therapist also varies. My interpretation of deep may be very different from another therapist interpretation of deep. So don’t let size fool you.
The modality?
There really is no “deep tissue” modality. Any modality can be deep or light depending on the pressure used by the therapist, the tool ie. elbow, thumb, or man made, and the density of the tissue being worked.
“I want to feel like I got a massage and expect to be sore”
Your body is the only determining factor when it comes to telling the therapist what it can and can’t handle today. Our hormones change constantly so this months massage may feel deep and the next months may feel light even though the therapist is doing the exact same massage. Just because you don’t “feel” sore the next day doesn’t mean you didn’t get a deep or good massage.
It’s all in the layers. Most muscles layer, overlapping each other to perform their designed function. “Deep tissue” literally means accessing the muscles under the top superficial layers. So in order to access these deeper layers we must relax the top layers first. You can’t exactly til the soil under the sidewalk until the cement is dealt with first. If these top muscles won’t relax they can become damaged, bruised or very sore the next day if the therapist is forcing through trying to access the deeper tissues. So again, your body is the determining factor as to how deep the therapist can go, she/he may not be able to do deep tissue.
“I need deep tissue”
Do you? We all know our bodies better than anyone on the planet, or I would sure hope we do. A 110 lb. body with 1″ thick muscles on the back takes much less pressure and exertion than a 250 lb. body with 3″ of solid muscle. Does the therapist need to access these deeper muscles for specific work? Sometimes we ask for deep tissue when we really just want heavier pressure and the deeper muscles don’t require specific work. We work muscles that are causing the problem, they may be on top or way down deep.
There are endless sets of circumstances and confusion surrounding deep tissue massage. You and the therapist you are working with can determine whether deep tissue is right for you. Some therapist don’t do deep tissue so it’s always best to ask in advance in case that is something you may need.
How do I find the massage I’m looking for?
Massage therapists usually seek employment in environments that fit their training, passion or modality they prefer. All massage is therapy and it is up to you to find what type of therapy you want.
When seeking massage ask yourself what your purpose is for a massage?
What are your needs? Relaxation? Pain relief? Old injury?
Spas
Generally a “spa” massage is coupled with pedicures, manicures, facials, etc. and are generally light to medium, relaxing and usually quiet. Most spas in the US sell relaxing environments. Recently more spas are expanding thier modalities to include Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Shirodhara, Marma, Thai, etc.
Chiroprators/Pain Centers/Medical Facilities
These therapist are generally specially trained in modalities such as Infant Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Injury, and specific techniques to correct postural imbalances.
Private Practitioners/Massage Therapy Businesses
Their modalities vary widely so always ask and let them know what you are looking for. Most opt for the alternative route to western medicine offering Shiatsu, Thai, Shirodhara, etc. along with deep tissue and injury techniques.
At the end of it all you should always have good communication with your therapist, feel comfortable and get what your looking for.
Nervous about getting a massage?
As licensed and certified Massage Therapists we are bound by governing rules, a code of ethics, and in the US individual states have slightly different laws governing how and where we do business including areas of the body we can and cannot massage. A good massage therapy school will train their therapist from day one that the body is no longer just a body but an amazingly complex orchestration of movement and function. Your therapist, just as any professional care provider, will see you from compassion and non judgement. Massage practices varies from place to place so never be afraid to ask questions.
Here are a few things you may not have known.
Massage therapy is usually practiced in a low lit or a dark room to induce a state of relaxation.
If you are not comfortable with this you can request the lights be on.
“I don’t feel comfortable getting undressed or have restrictions due to religious practices.”
You can get undressed as far as you wish, again until you establish a relationship with your therapist and feel more comfortable. If your religion prevents you from being undressed there are plenty modalities that do not require one to undress in order to receive the benefits of massage.
“I forgot to shave.”
Really, we don’t care. We do care if your feet are dirty from wearing flip-flops or a shower is in need.
“I’m embaressed about my body.”
A compassionate therapist will greet you warmly and ensure you feel comfortable, we do not see with our eyes only with our hands. NEVER let this stop you from receiving the wonderful gift of massage. Our clients are everyone you see in line with you at the grocery store.
“I’m very modest.”
As stated earlier, different states have different laws governing draping and if you are unsure, ask. Some therapist undrape and work the glutes and stomach area, be sure you clarify this before you begin to avoid disrupting your relaxing massage with nervousness or uneasyness.
Areas Massaged.
A full body massage is always best for ultimate relaxation and health but essentially a massage is broken down into times. You can request any area be worked more or not at all! Some people need or request the hour be spent on their back alone, and maybe a little foot massage thrown in just because.
Time Constraints.
You may want to schedule a 30 minute massage for a first timer to work in slowly. 60 minutes is usually enough time for a full body, and 90 minutes, huh… need I say more. Just heaven!
“Should I Talk or Not?”
Generally to relax the body it is wise not to talk, that way your mind is concentrating on breating and relaxing your muscles. When we talk we tend to tense up and not even realize we’re doing it, it’s probably what’s got us sore in the first place. But certainly if you can relax and prefer to talk, it’s ok. If you talk to your therapist she/he will talk back provided your muscles are relaxing, if not she/he may ask you to not talk and breath.
“What if I don’t or do like a lot of pressure?” Your initial consultation will include the “reason” you are seeking massage, ie. relaxation, deep tissue, injury, “my friend bought me a gift certificate.”Massage should never hurt. On a pain scale from 1-10 seven and a half is optimal, the “hurt so good” zone. This zone also will change through out the day, so what you can tolerate today may be different tomorrow. Massage is NOT a no pain no gain situation. You may relax with light pressure or deeper pressure. Our muscles are in many layers for which the deeper ones cannot be reached unless the top ones are relaxed first, your therapist will work these top muscles lighter until she/he is able to get to the deeper ones. We don’t know how you are experiencing our touch so always speak up, our training also included receiving and responding to your feedback. This is all about YOU.
