Deep tissue massage therapy is a general term that describes many different types of massage such as myofascial release, neuro-muscular therapy, structural integration and various other methods.
There are two ways that deep tissue massage is done. Some say that deep tissue massage is and should be painful while others say it should not be painful. There is no research to prove which version of deep tissue massage is more effective.
The one thing that can be agreed on is that deep tissue massage is not just using deeper pressure or one's strength to work on the body. Using strength or force just causes the body to resist or contract instead of relax.
Deep tissue massage is known to work the deeper aspects of the body - the deeper muscles such as the psoas in the abdomen and deep hip rotators that are often related to issues of sciatica and low back pain. The amount of pain that one feels during a deep tissue massage varies for each individual. People who say they have a high tolerance for pain are often numb and unable to feel their bodies. This is often a result of having chronically tight muscles. The amount of pain that is felt is also a reflection of just how tight a muscle is and with a series of massage sessions, the pain will be reduced each time until the client is pain free and able to engage in a more balanced life that doesn't result in tight muscles or pain.
Deep tissue massage is usually effective in working with chronic pain caused by muscle adhesions, scar tissue, prevention and treatment of sports injuries and other injuries.
See also:www.thebodyworker.com - My other site on deep tissue guidelines, applications and intention
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