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Deep tissue massages have become increasingly sought after as more and more people are looking for therapeutic benefits instead of your standard relaxing treatment. However, there is a widespread misrepresentation of deep tissue massages. Most people believe that deep tissue entails using your entire body weight pressing as hard as you can to release a tight muscle. Your typical “no pain, no gain” theory. On the contrary deep tissue massages performed correctly works with the muscle tissue versus against it perhaps resulting in some discomfort but not a teeth gritting pain which forces the client to cringe. Deep tissue performed incorrectly can potentially bruise the tissue as well as cause a defensive reaction from the client by tightening the area being treated.
An experienced therapist works with, not on, the muscle tissue at the client’s level of comfort. Lengthening the muscle or applying friction in the opposite direction of the muscle using slow and firm pressure are some desirable deep tissue techniques. Utilizing such a skill will result in far greater results for the client. Deep tissue massages focus on lengthening a relaxed muscle which reduces chronic muscle pain by breaking up muscle adhesion’s (much like muscular scar tissue) and lengthening shortened fascia. This in turn increases circulation, improves flexibility and loosens muscles. All of which are necessary for athletes or work out addicts, but also beneficial to anyone trying to increase their overall health and wellness.
As we age, our muscles tend shorten from various activities such as sitting for long periods of time or working at a computer. If no action is taken, the fascia tightens around the shortened muscle and range of motion in lost eventually resulting in an inability to turn your head as far to the right or left, or touch your toes. Such loss of mobility may only be inconvenient at best for some, but there is pain associated with this tightness as well that proves to be much more of annoyance. As prevention is easier than curing, regular deep tissue massages should be added to the top of you self care list!
By Dawn Thibodeau
Dawn Thibodeau is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Paramedical Aesthetician and Educator located in Central Florida. For more information about Deep Tissue Massages and other health/beauty oriented topics, please visit http://www.eternalyouthboutique.com.
Eternal Youth Wellness Boutique 