Deep Tissue Massage is "the understanding of the layers of the body, and the ability to work with tissue in these layers to relax, lengthen, and release holding patterns in the most effective and energy efficient way possible."

 -- Art Riggs, author of Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques

Overview
Deep Tissue Massage is effective because of its technique--consisting of slower, stronger strokes and stretches that stimulate and release deep muscles. This can be especially helpful for athletes who expose their muscles to daily, intensive conditioning. Deep Tissue Massage will noticeably loosen muscles, alleviate pain, and increase mobility--all significant benefits for an athlete. However, you don't have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of Deep Tissue Massage.

In many cases, a Deep Tissue Massage has replaced classic Swedish massage in terms of frequency of use. Massage clients around the country who once may have sought out a simple relaxation massage, are now seeking a massage that also conditions, heals, and provides longer lasting relief from stress.

Those suffering from certain conditions may also find Deep Tissue Massage to be quite therapeutic. Sufferers of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, muscle cramping, edema, and even carpal tunnel syndrome may find significant relief from Deep Tissue Massage. The pressure exerted on different groups of muscle tissue stimulates circulation in areas of pain.

Deep Tissue Massage, however, is not for everyone. There can be mild to moderate discomfort during the massage as tight muscles are worked. And there can be a day or two of soreness following the massage--similar to after you complete a particularly rigorous workout.

But if you are comfortable with a stronger, more focused massage as well as the soreness that may accompany it, then a Deep Tissue Massage may be for you.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Deep Tissue uses many of the same strokes that are used in classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

In Deep Tissue Massage there is a lower emphasis placed on pleasure as the primary goal. The objective is to alter the soft tissue structure while releasing some muscular restrictions. However, that is not to say that the work may not be pleasurable.  Once they become accustomed to the techniques used, most recipients of a Deep Tissue Massage prefer the increased degree of relaxation, alleviation of pain, and lasting benefits.

What Deep Tissue Massage is NOT
There are a number of misconceptions about this massage technique, and many massage therapists and clients alike confuse true Deep Tissue Massage with a general "deep pressure" Swedish massage. Deep Tissue Massage is not about satisfying the belief that a painful massage is an effective massage (the "no pain, no gain" theory generally does not apply here).

Indeed, a number of Web site descriptions reinforce the belief that Deep Tissue Massage is deep work virtually for its own sake. On the contrary, Deep Tissue work should not be painful and can be very nurturing for the recipient.

Deep Tissue Massage is not an approach consisting of a prescribed "routine" or the use of merely remedial, generalized deep pressure. It is a technique that may focus on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, but is more aimed at releasing the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow, mindful strokes.

Will Deep Tissue Massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is some discomfort. It is important to tell your therapist when something hurts and if any discomfort you experience crosses the line to "painful" and is outside your comfort range.

It is normal for some clients to experience mild stiffness or soreness after Deep Tissue work, but it should subside within a day or so, after which the full effects of the treatment can be felt. It may also be helpful to apply ice to the area after the massage.

What conditions can a Deep Tissue Massage help?
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used primarily for relaxation, Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g., whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive stress injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm

In fact, according to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked Deep Tissue Massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine, and over-the-counter drugs. Deep Tissue Massage also received a top ranking for relieving fibromyalgia pain. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a Deep Tissue Massage and for a longer period of time than with general wellness massage.
What can I expect during my visit?

During the session, your therapist may use a combination of fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the Deep Tissue Massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as certain tense areas are encountered. You may also be asked to participate in Muscle Energy Techniques that are often used to help release specific tensions.  This may involve consciously contracting and relaxing particular muscles for a specified period of time, which will be explained to you in your session.

Deep Tissue Massage also involves patiently waiting for tissue to release; movements are slower and more deliberate than in a traditional massage, and a great deal of time may be spent in one area waiting for a muscle release to occur. Therefore, in order to address specific dysfunctions, it may not be possible to address the entire body in one session, though every effort will be made to do so. 

Deep Tissue Massage shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.

It is generally recommended that clients receive multiple Deep Tissue sessions over a period of 6-8 weeks to receive maximum long-term relief from chronic soft tissue problems.  Once the release happens and proper muscle memory and balance is restored, sessions may take the form of less frequent "tune ups." At the first session, you will discuss recommendations for a treatment plan with your therapist, and at each session you will re-assess and revisit the plan in order to make adjustments that will give you maximum benefits over the shortest amount of time.

Post-massage Recommendations:
- It is important to drink as much water as you can (approximately one ounce for every pound of body weight) after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues. 

- If a session is particularly intense, it may be helpful after the massage to apply ice to the affected area in 20-minute intervals.

- Many clients experience mild soreness for a day or two after a Deep Tissue Massage, and find that they feel the most benefits from the massage once the soreness subsides. If pain or discomfort persists, please call your therapist right away.

Precautions
Deep Tissue Massage is not recommended for certain people so please talk with your therapist about any contraindications. If you currently have any of the following conditions, you probably should not receive a massage--especially not a Deep Tissue Massage--without first consulting your doctor: