Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. The purpose is to "unstick" the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic.

Deep tissue massage is also used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue). Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, you should feel better than ever within a day or two.

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. It is important to drink plenty of water after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

Most massage therapists have at least some deep tissue training and are able to go deeper during a regular massage if necessary, but to get a truly good deep tissue massage, it is an excellent idea to go to a massage therapist who specializes in deep tissue. In your case, my knowledge of Rolfing (an unbinding of the fascia) and my expanded knowedge of anatomy allow me to offer deep tissue massages that are truly one of a kind.