Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage vs. Swedish Massage

“Deep Tissue,” therapeutic massages uses strategic strokes to increase circulation, release muscle tension and remove lactic acid. It’s a combination of trigger point therapy, stretching, sports massage and other unique modalities to relieve strain, stress and inflammation. 

What is the difference between a Deep Tissue Massage and a Swedish Massage?

Just about everyone expects a firm touch when they go for a deep tissue massage. The term, "deep tissue," though can be misleading. A deep tissue massage is designed to target the deeper layers of muscles in your body and not necessarily to deliver deep pressure uniformly. This is a common misconception. "Deep Tissue," implies that the therapist will be penetrating your muscle tissue, working IN BETWEEN your muscle tissue fibers - something that is impossible to accomplish with broad, gliding massage strokes over relaxed muscles. The amount of pressure used in a deep tissue massage can vary greatly, from a light, superficial stroke designed to warm up the muscle, to a deeper, more focused application of pressure used to release tension. By contrast, a Swedish massage is designed to target the outermost layer of muscle, which in some cases may not require as much pressure.

A deep tissue massage should be slow and thorough, working through the muscle tissues layer by layer. This includes giving an increased amount of attention to the, “knots,” and trigger points found along the way. Any skilled therapist will tell you that they get much better results by allowing the tissue to respond on its own, and release under a slower, more focused approach as opposed to forcing it. 

There are several techniques for accomplishing a deep tissue, or between-the-muscle-fibers massage:

1. Active Motion: In this technique, the client is working with the therapist in order to flex and stretch the muscle as the therapist is applying firm pressure on it. When the client flexes a muscle, the fibers spread and the therapist can massage in between the muscle fibers. When the client stretches or relaxes the muscle, it softens to allow the therapist to work in a little deeper. The continuation of this alternating flex and relax allows for the most effective and painless penetration of the muscle tissue possible. Each muscle pair (the same muscle on both sides of the body) may take as long as 15-20 minutes to work efficiently, but can be adequately worked in as little as 5-10 minutes, if worked lightly.
2. Passive Motion: This technique is similar to the Active Motion technique, however the therapist is working the muscle with one hand and moving the body part being worked with the other hand. This technique is much more relaxing for the recipient, but is much more taxing for the therapist. Therefore a full-body treatment using this technique by a single therapist is nearly impossible.
3. Static Pressure: In this technique, the therapist is using thumbs, fingertips and even elbows to apply firm pressure to individual points on the muscle. In order to encourage the muscle to relax and allow penetration, it is necessary for the therapist to move very slowly. One individual muscle may take as long as 20 minutes to cover sufficiently, and this technique often causes bruising and slight discomfort. Trigger Point Therapy is one example of this type of deep tissue manipulation.

What type of massage should I get?

At RELAX The Spa, therapists review the guest intake form and ask questions. After review, the therapist will then advise and recommend techniques specific to your needs. Depending on the form and your answers to their questions, they’ll use different deep tissue techniques such as active motion, passive motion and static pressure to elongate the muscles that are tight.

Many people believe that a Swedish massage, with long, flowing strokes, is applied with very firm pressure to make a, "deep tissue massage," technique. However, with this type of massage, deep tissue techniques are only applied to one or two areas of the body during an otherwise gentle massage. This allows for a full-body treatment with focus on specific problem areas in a relatively short appointment-time.

How to get the most out of your massage.

So how do you ensure you’ll get the best massage for your money? The key is communication with your therapist on the pressure desired and your comfort level. Speak up before your massage begins, and again during the massage if you are not comfortable with how much or how little pressure is being applies. Some areas may require different amounts of pressure than others, so communication is crucial. It is also important to remember that some therapists may use your body’s reaction to guide them in the amount of pressure they use. If you tense up or your breathing becomes shallow and subdued, then chances are the amount of pressure you’re getting is at or beyond your threshold.

Call RELAX The Spa near Rochester at (585) 412-4994 for scheduling and questions about massage options and enhancements. Book online at www.relaxthespa.com/book-now/ for 24/7 scheduling.