Why Deep Tissue

Many of my new clients come to me for 1 reason -- deep tissue massage. I have a reputation -- my hands are strong from years of playing the piano and working in the garden! But what really is deep tissue massage? After talking with my clients I realize that many are really asking for is deep/firm PRESSURE, not deep tissue.


Here's the difference.



DEEP/FIRM PRESSURE is usually what I describe as integrated massage. It's basis is Swedish or relaxation massage, with long stokes moving tissue and lymphatic fluid towards the heart. This is the kind of massage that makes you 'feel good,' releases tension, promotes healing, etc. When I give a firm pressure massage I usually incorporate DEEP TISSUE work with my firmer massage. In a typical 1 hour massage I may use DT for 5 - 10 minutes where I and the client feels it needs to be used. The rest of the session focuses on firm Swedish massage to include all body parts.

Do you work out? Well, deep tissue is not the answer! Muscles that are dense and tight need to be stretched out, not forced apart. Here's an example. I had a recent client who wanted DT, complaining on a 'knot' near his right shoulder blade. But when I started working on his back I found that his entire scapula was frozen -- the muscles in this area were so tight that they wouldn't let this bone move at all. It was only after doing some passive stretches and movement that the shoulder blade freed up. And guess what -- the 'knot' disappeared.

True deep tissue massage can do more harm than good on overworked, overextended muscles. I can suggest stretches which are easy and effective, but only work if you use them! We should be looking at strength AND flexibility, not just bulk.



DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE is almost the opposite of Swedish/Integrative Massage -- instead of long strokes, specific points are held until that point 'releases.' Often DT focuses on one muscle or muscle group (like the muscles surrounding a shoulder). Reasons for using DT include injuries/scar tissue buildup, chronic/repetitive muscle issues, and trigger point therapy. Usually this technique includes warming up the muscle tissue with gentler strokes before moving forward. Only after the muscle has loosened is deeper pressure apply. In fact, using deep tissue techniques without warming up muscles first can injure tissue. One of my massage instructors nicely called it 'being invited into the muscle' (thanks Julie!). All of this takes time. My 1 hour DT massage focuses on 1 or 2 specific areas -- say, the shoulders, or lower back. Other areas of the body do not receive massage at all.

So if you're looking for a full body Deep Tissue massage, please be sure to schedule at 1 1/2 or 2 hour session!

Many other Massage Therapists advertise they do deep tissue massage. Be sure to ask for their definition before you make an appointment!



www.themassagemuse.com

How to save $$ on medical bills.

Some of you may remember that I give chair massages on Sunday afternoons at The Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis. I usually set up my chair and a small table with brochures and a tip jar back near the 'Sale Room.' I'm always amazed at the number of people who walk by and haven't had any type of professional massage before. The expressions of bliss I see on their face after the 10 minute massage are priceless!



About a week ago a tall young man walked up to me and asked me to 'work' on him. I knew him by site -- he's a local 'foodie' who sets up popcorn and hotdog stands around the area for special events. Some staff at Mast kept telling him to come see me, since he sets up right across the street from me every Sunday. Finally he shows up, and tells me he's had a persistant problem underneath his right shoulder blade.



Well, little did he know that shoulder and neck issues are my speciality. You see, almost 90% of my clients have some problem there -- 'computeritis' (rounded shoulders from being on the computer too long), bursitis, rotator cuff injuries. And the reason why I know so much about this area is because I've injured my right shoulder several times, and learned what worked to help my own problems.



So, this gentleman tells me about his problem, which has been going on for several years. He was having stabbing pains between his right shoulder blade and spine, strong enough to keep him awake at night. He's had xrays, cortisone injections, chiropractic adjustments, etc. etc. to the tune of over $10000. Nothing seemed to work. One doctor thought he had an 'impinged nerve' and suggested surgery



After working a little to loosen up his entire shoulder girdle I told him what I felt. His rotator muscles were very tight, tense enough to pull his entire shoulder blade forward towards his chest. The corresponding muscles along his spine were also stretched out as far as they could, and felt like they were pressing on several nerves. The spot he told me about was completely frozen and inflamed, restricting freedom of movement of his shoulder.



I told him I could work on this area, but it would probably be very uncomfortable. But he was willing to try anything, and gave me the go ahead.



I did several loosening movements of this shoulder before pressing very firmly on the restricted spot, moving my thumb very slowly over the sore spot while pushing the shoulder blade back with my other hand. The spot throbbed and spasmed, but I kept holding it until I felt it release. He got up from the chair, moved his shoulder around, and tipped me $10.



Yesterday, I was surprised to see him walk up to me and start talking. I thought he wanted to get back on the chair, but he said he just wanted to tell me something. He didn't know whether it was coincidence or not, but the day after I worked on him all his pain went away!! This was the first time in over 10 years that he was pain free. And he told me that he would come to see me first if he ever had that problem again.



If he would have come to me first, I would have saved him more than $9990 and a lot of his time.



Massage isn't just about feeling good. It's also about letting the body be all that it can be, and return to it's correct and natural state.