When I first began my training as a massage therapist deep tissue massage was not the modality that I set out to pursue. In fact, when my instruc­tor (who is a deep tissue guru, by the way) told me that I was a natu­ral and should go the corrective/ therapeutic route, I very graciously accepted the compliment thinking, “Fat chance. Like I’m ever going to do that!” “It’s too hard, not relaxing and way too clinical for me!” I thought that nice, relaxing spa work was going to be my niche. Boy was I wrong!

So, I went and did the spa thing. My job was neither relax­ing nor rewarding and I hated the fact that I couldn’t really take the time to do the therapeutic work that I craved and many of my clients so badly needed. Much to my surprise, I found that I actually enjoyed the challenge of helping to not only relax bodies, but to help treat pain and discomfort in them as well. I began to discover my true calling and the joy of deep tissue therapy!

Now almost four years and my own private practice have taught me how to blend the best of both worlds, the relaxation and indul­gence of a spa like atmosphere and the deep healing benefits of therapeutic massage. And although I have seen my fair share of clients and treated everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to plantar fascitis and all points in between, most people request deep tissue massage and do so whether or not they have chronic pain or structural imbal­ances simply because they just like the feeling better than a “regular” massage. But what’s the difference between a “regular” relaxation mas­sage and a deep tissue massage?

Both relaxation and deep tissue massages provide the benefits of stress reduction, better circula­tion, increased mobility, enhanced flexibility and overall sense of well being, but relaxation massage mainly focuses on relieving ten­sion in the superficial muscle layers just under the skin. Relaxation massage, in general does not get into specific areas causing tension or pain and the quality of touch is lighter in nature. This is not to say that relaxation massage is not beneficial or that deep tissue techniques are not sometimes used to work out problem areas, it’s just that generally speaking a relaxation massage is just that, a massage to relax the muscles and systems of the body without going too deeply into the musculature. I tend to think of relaxation massage as a more generic modality that can easily be customized to suit many differ­ent preferences, which explains its popularity in spa work.

Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is often character­ized as being not overly relaxing, sometimes painful and a glorified rendition of a relaxation massage with added pressure. Depending on the situation any one of those explanations could be true, but in my opinion, when done properly, deep tissue massage is one of the most relaxing, therapeutic, healing and thorough massage modalities available. Not only are the muscles kneaded and softened, releasing areas of tension, but restrictions in connective tissue are removed allowing the body to open & realign itself and pressure points are activated, unblocking trapped energy. Layer by layer the body begins to let go of the stored stress, emotional/physical trauma, and negative patterning that bring it out of balance.

In general, a firm hand is a key component to deep tissue therapy, but it is not the added pressure that brings results. In fact, there are many different deep tissue techniques that can be applied using some of the lightest pressure possible, while still evoking benefits deep in the body. Oftentimes, however, too much pressure is applied to already sore and con­tracted muscles before the body is ready to yield causing a guard­ing response in the muscle fibers. This means that the muscles will further tighten in response to the touch, causing much of the pain associated with deep tissue massage. Unfortunately this is one of the rea­sons why some people tend to shy away from this type of bodywork.

This is not to say that there should be no pain involved at all, that would be a complete and utter falsehood. But, by using many techniques that vary in pressure, speed and depth the therapist can prepare the muscles and soft tis­sues of the body to be manipulated more easily at deeper levels reduc­ing pain and discomfort. In doing so, the body begins to open, if you will, and areas of restriction are loosened, adhesions (knots) are broken up, stored toxins are flushed and blocked energy is moved and circulated. As this takes place the body will experience moments of what I like to call “painful release”, when it is letting go of the energies and experiences that caused the blockages and restrictions. This is usually described as “good pain”.

As these layers of blockages are released, the body begins to relax and realign. Sometimes (but not in all cases) clients may feel strong emotions like anger and sadness or suddenly remember certain experi­ences out of nowhere, these are called emotional releases and are common in deep tissue therapy. What is happening here is that the body is clearing out the cellular memory that held the body in the painful unbalanced state. Once these “memories” are cleared, the body will then begin to reconnect with itself and use its innate wis­dom to begin the healing process within.

Allowing the body to heal and let go are essential to the deep relaxation that can come from deep tissue therapy. And deep relaxation is essential to healing and letting go, basically the two go hand in hand. If a client does not feel completely able to relax during the massage they will not readily be able to experience the full spectrum of benefits of deep tissue therapy. This is the premise of my deep tissue work, to make it just as com­fortable and relaxing as a “regular” massage, if not more so, to facilitate the process of healing.

The practice of deep tissue ther­apy is intimate, dynamic and multi-faceted, with many applications, and a complexity that encompasses all levels of being, from the physical realm of structure to the spiritual realm of energy. Although there are many modalities within this modal­ity and just as many therapists to choose from, attaining the benefits of deep tissue massage is unique to each individual and their experi­ence. I encourage you to seek out the modality and therapist that res­onate most with you, ask questions, be involved and present in your healing. Most anyone (with some exceptions, be sure to consult with your therapist) can reap and enjoy the lasting benefits and healing of deep tissue massage.