Deep Tissue Massage by Francesca Cairns

What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage does what it says “on the tin” - it is a massage technique that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.  Deep tissue work uses slower and firmer strokes and pressure than other treatments - deep finger pressure that concentrates on particular areas, and follows or goes across the fibres of muscles and tendons.

What is a deep tissue massage good for?
It is particularly effective for people with muscular pain, restricted movement of muscles or joints and some minor injuries. Techniques used include; Cupping, Cross Fibre Friction, Trigger Point Therapy,  Neuro-Muscular Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Myofacial Release.

This technique helps to refresh and relax muscles, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow around your body. This gets rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles, which helps them to strengthen and heal.

Deep tissue massage is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused, relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body, and can also break down scar tissue and “knots” deep in the muscles.

How will I feel after deep tissue massage
The aim of deep tissue massage is not to leave you feeling relaxed and full of bliss; it tends to tackle particular physical, muscular problems. You’re unlikely to be lost in an ocean of private serenity, so you can plan to go back to work, drive, or go out afterwards without feeling you’ll have ruined it for yourself!

Precautions
Always let your therapist know if you:

• are, or think you might be, pregnant
• have a history of heart or respiratory problems
• have problems with your joints
• have any skin allergies or conditions
• have recently had surgery, or are prone to or recovering from injury
• you have any other medical condition, or are receiving treatment of any kind

as this might affect the kind of treatment you can have, or on what areas of your body the therapist can work on.

As with any massage, it’s a good idea to avoid big meals and alcohol beforehand. You should also drink plenty of water before and after the massage.

What to expect from a deep tissue massage
Generally, deep tissue massage is recommended for specific problems, If you have decided to have this massage treatment yourself, you need to make sure that you give the therapist as much information as you can.

The therapist will talk to you about any special problems you have, how an injury or muscle strain has improved or got worse, your lifestyle, exercise routine, diet and so on, so they know how best to help you.

Depending on how you feel and the therapist or treatment centre you go to, you will either need to wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes or just a towel. Oils may be used, but they are unlikely to be aromatherapy oils. This is not a massage where you expect soft lighting and music either.

Length of Sessions
The length of a deep-tissue massage session or course will vary depending on what you need. A session could be a half hour, three-quarters of an hour, or an hour, and a course will probably include about four to six sessions spaced over a few weeks or months, unless you are a professional sportsperson.