March 2010 Newsletter Article
The Real Scoop on Deep Tissue Massage
Written by (GI) Joe Chenevert, LMT
I am so excited that more and more people are becoming aware that massage is not just a self indulging, fluffy pampering, and money splurging experience. It is something that has a profound effect, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. I would like to address an area that I have come across with some clients of mine - bad experiences with deep tissue massage.
As people become more aware with their experiences of massage and its incredible benefits, I have found that some have felt that they were thrown under a steam roller, which left them bruised and in pain for days after their session. Needless to say, this has made them hesitant to even try deep tissue again. As unfortunate as it may be, this leaves me with the opportunity to properly educate clients on what is normal and what they should expect during a deep tissue session.
First of all deep tissue is about pain management. So as a massage therapist this means, “We bring the pain and you have to manage with it.” Joking folks - just joking. Your body’s reaction to pain is to protect the afflicted area which is done by bracing the surrounding tissue with more tension. That’s not the right effect that we are after. Our intention as your massage therapist is to lengthen and soften the surrounding muscle tissue. In all actuality there is a level of discomfort but it should really be no more than a 7 on a scale of 1-10. If it’s any higher then we’re being counterproductive.
What should one expect during a deep tissue session? Before the client gets on the table the massage therapist will usually spent a little more time on the intake so they can asses a clients conscious needs while planning for issues that are underlying. While you’re on the table the massage therapist will usually not start directly where you had specified the issue to be. The reason for this is because we are dealing with a Web of connective tissue called Fascia. This connective tissue is like the marshmallow in rice crispy treats just after mixing it all together and putting it into a bakers pan. In effect think of it also as a ball of Christmas lights that are entangled. Where do you start to untangle this massive ball of frustration? At the beginning where you can soften, loosen and then lengthen. Ahha! Are you getting the picture now? Good.
There is another aspect to the body I would like to make you aware of and that is Muscle Memory. This allows us to walk without thinking but is can also be the reason why your lower or upper back is a repetitive issue of pain or discomfort for you. There are techniques that are used like Positional Release, Trigger Point, and other Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) that can bring a great amount of relief by essentially resetting the holding patterns of tight bands of muscle. These are applied in each massage session as seen fit by the therapist. This is also the reason why after a session the therapist will often suggest to come back in a week or two so as to develop good muscle memory.
Clients, it is important for you to know we are here to assist you on to better wellness. This is done by letting the therapist know if they’re using too much pressure. Therapists should be checking in with you when they come across any knots or tissue that feels constricted. We can sometimes miss the area or we could have come across a spot you didn’t know was tender or sore until we touched it.
Remember that we, as massage therapists, are but a part of a team of Holistic treatments that can help improve and enhance your enjoyment in life. It’s your body and your life, so we can’t do it by ourselves. I encourage you if you haven’t yet to try Yoga. This will help break old habits in the muscles and put you more in tune with what your body is saying to you. Please consult your PCP before any activity to make sure that it will not be contraindicated to your health condition.
This is Joseph Chenevert magnanimous reminding you to Live Life Well