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Deep tissue massage is a slow, intense and detailed massage on the area that is giving the most problems - back and neck, shoulders and arms, low back and hip, or hip and legs. The purpose is to release chronic contracture of muscles and fascia and reduce pain, and to produce changes in movement and posture. This is not the same as a firm therapeutic massage; it requires more input and participation from the client, and may require repeated sessions for long-standing conditions.
Deep tissue massage is also European in origin, but it is very different from Swedish massage in its focus and effects. The focus of deep tissue massage is the fascia or connective tissue. Fascia is the material covering and connecting all the structures in the body. Even the bones are made of fascia, with minerals to provide hardness.
Deep tissue massage focuses on five layers of fascia, the superficial fascia which lies under the skin, and the layers of fascia which form muscle compartments, cover individual muscles, cover bundles of muscle cells, and connect those bundles of muscle cells to each other, making movement possible.
The purpose of deep tissue massage is to create mechanical change in the body, changing posture and creating freedom of movement by releasing fascial adhesions and chronic muscle contracture. Adhesions, essentially scar tissue, form in muscles because of injury, chronic poor posture, chronic or acute inflammation and repetitive motions.
Deep tissue work creates microtears in the fascia, which fill with elastin and collagen in about three days, creating muscles that are more flexible, supple, and have greater range of motion. It is most beneficial for clients who suffer from chronic pain, are committed to change and are somewhat sophisticated about massage and willing to purchase a series of massages. For the most success, the client must be willing to stretch regularly between sessions, to retrain muscles and prevent recurrence of muscle contracture.
Deep tissue massage is not recommended for anyone who has a fever, a contagious condition, recent injury or surgery, history of blood clot or phlebitis, or anyone who is taking blood-thinning medication. It is also not recommended for a full body massage or as a spa treatment. Deep tissue massage is most successful when the therapist has advanced training and the client has some experience and sophistication about massage.
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