Deep tissue massage targets chronic tension in muscles that lie
far below the body's surface. Deep muscle techniques involve slow
strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the
muscle grain.
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually
adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and
ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited
movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically
breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal
movement.
Massage therapists will use their fingers, thumbs or occasionally
even elbows to apply the needed pressure. It is especially helpful
for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low
back tightness, and sore shoulders. Some of the same strokes are
used as classic massage but the movement is slower and the pressure
is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep
tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g.
whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as
carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and
muscle spasms.
