Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic type of massage that focuses on deeper tissue structures, tendons and connective tissues. It is usually given to target a specific complaint of the patient. This technique is efficient in dealing with chronic and acute pains characteristic of tense body parts like the neck, the small of the back, shoulders, legs, spine, etc.

 History

Amongst the pioneers in developing Deep Tissue Massage are two leading scientists:

Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957), Austrian psychoanalyst, attended to the body and breathing techniques in his therapy. Reich’s treatment is considered an original psychotherapy aimed at the work with the body. Reich believed that breathing, deep tissue massage and a dialogue between the patient and the therapist would help the former to eventually achieve physical relaxation and emotional freedom. The perception of life energy by Reich is comparable to the notion of chi in oriental cultures.

Therese Pfrimmer (1949), Canadian physical therapist, developed basic principles about the influence over serious restrictions in movement, which she set forth in her book “Muscles…your Invisible Bonds”. Since then deep tissue massage has found its place in sports medicine and physical therapy as a device of control over chronic pain that also heals soft tissue traumas.

Techniques

The therapist using oils, applies pressure to the deep tissues (sometimes resorting to trigger point therapy) using his fingers, hands, elbows etc. The direction of massage involves backward and forward movements along and across muscle fibres, ligaments and tendons, guaranteeing a greater freedom of movement. The pressure may be also applied in slow circular movements. That’s how muscle tissue stretches and, therefore, enhances blood circulation. This method helps to reduce pain related to muscle cramps of the cervical spine, eases fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and trauma-induced muscle strains. Since the purpose of this treatment is to deal with problems, it can be painful, and the therapist proceeds according to the patient’s limitations.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is not only for professional sportsmen, who inflict great overexertion on their muscles and, therefore, are in need of muscle tension relief and physical pain ease. This massage is also recommended for people suffering from chronic pain, people with limited mobility and those in need of post-traumatic recovery. People with the following conditions might find the massage useful: spinal disc herniation, various spinal curvatures, deformities of cervical spine, occipital headaches resulting from spasms in the cervical spine etc.