THE ISSUE WITH DEEP TISSUE

For more than 20 years I have provided professional training to thousands of massage therapists. Weoften talk about the physical toll the work takes on our bodies. In fact,one of the reasons I gave up my successful private practice was because I was starting to feel how hard it was on my body to do structural bodywork and deeptissue every day for so many years. It is very physically demanding and requires attention to proper ergonomics so that the therapist doesn't injure him/herself.  But don't misunderstand- structural bodywork and deep tissue techniques have tremendous value for a client who is interested in realigning structural balance and also in releasing deep-seated trauma or holding patterns. 

But why do so many spa-goers request deep tissue massage? Personally, I feel that many spa-goers think they are ready for this depth of work and may not be.  Spa-goers think they will get more bang for their buck. Most of them don't even know what deep tissue is or whether it is appropriate for them at that time, but they have a perception of the harder the better.  

Truth be told, when the muscles are inflamed, contracted or in spasm, forceful pressure can often further aggravate the inflammation. Working superficially to first release the contracted tissue, layer by layer, is a way to release the contraction rather than diving in or digging in deep. My teacher always used to say, "Only go as deep as the body permits." In this theory, we cannot release tension from a muscle by forcing our way in. The body must surrender and release as it is willing.

We all walk around with body armor that protects us when we go out into the world, when we go to "battle" to make it happen. Gotta do it, go for it, go out in the world and work, make money, deal with others, fight for survival and so on. When we are in survival mode, we are in "fight or flight neurology.” The body cannot heal and rebuild when we are in survival mode.

The body restores when we move from fight or flight neurology to that of parasympathetic restoration and renewal. It is in this state that the body can truly heal - right down to the cellular level. A massage or body treatment that induces a resting or meditative state helps to shift the neurology from fight or flight to restoration, to restore and rebuild. And sometimes the most subtle energetic work can be the most powerful for an individual.

Therefore, deep tissue massage may not always be the recommended therapy. The most profound experiences can happen with a nourishing, well intentioned, strong but not painful approach.

Ask about and consider other massage modalities such as lymphatic drainage, Ayurvedic massage, neuromuscular techniques, Esalen-style, cranial-sacral, energetics and the vastarray of techniques that can be customized to your needs. I promise you that the outcome will be tremendously fulfilling and supportive to your overall well-being.