Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones and joints). The therapist applies slow, firm pressure to release muscle tension.

It is especially helpful for relieving symptoms of chronic aches and pains and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, lower back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

This therapy is great for those who don’t want the deepness and intensity of a sports massage but who still need a deeper massage than those for relaxation to get rid of areas of tightness and trigger points.

Deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain.

The list of conditions that can be effectively treated is extensive and includes whiplash and repetitive strain, sciatica and recovery from falls, muscle tension or spasm.

This therapy has been found to be more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than a wide range alternatives, including exercise and physical therapy, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs, chiropractic and acupuncture treatment, diet and glucosamine.

It’s also recommended for fibromyalgia pain with an improvement in the range of motion often noticeable immediately.

The benefits aren’t just muscle and pain-related, deep tissue massage treatment can lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormone levels.

Massage is good for the mind as well as the body boosting mood and helping you relax.

After initial consultation, treatment will start on the back, medium pressure at first, increasing in firmness as your muscles begin to warm up. Some of the strokes are the same as in Swedish massage but the pace tends to be slower and pressure is applied more firmly and is concentrated on problem areas.

The therapist uses their forearms, elbows, fingertips and knuckles as well as their hands in order to break-up adhesions (knots).

At certain points in the treatment most people do experience some discomfort.. that’s to be expected when the pressure is deep and direct on painful or injured areas.

Scar tissue is loosened and muscles lengthened, knots are being undone and sub-layers of muscle moved back into the right place.

It’s important to tell your therapist which areas are painful and if the soreness becomes too much.

I can easily adapt the pressure to suit and there’s benefit in having multiple treatments, giving your body a chance to adjust.

If I feel it would be beneficial, I may also use additional tools such as Cupping therapy or an Audiosonic machine which uses sound waves to penetrate the tissues, to slowly warm and help relax the area.

With massage in general you shouldn’t book/attend if you have a cold/flu, fever or contagious skin infection or have been pregnant for less than 13 weeks.

Treatments can be adapted to avoid an injury/cuts or bruises but with some medical conditions, including cancer and heart problems, it’s always a good idea to get approval from you GP first.