Firm - Deep Tissue

This is not a Swedish Massage.  Swedish Massage is ONLY Friction at the Surface of the skin.

Firm/Deep Tissue Massage aims to work the layers of tissue below the surface of the skin and connecting facia.  The structures known as muscle and their surrounding fascia and/or connective tissue - Tendons, Ligaments.   

Deep tissue does not need to hurt.  "No pain No Gain" may be good at the Gym.  This does not need to applied in a massage session.

I do have clients who will fall asleep during a session, faster, the harder I push.  I do have clients that enjoy the pain during and the days after the session.  Which can last up to (3) three or (4) four days.  These people usually have receive deep tissue session before and more often.  They have an understanding for a delayed reaction, because they know they will feel better later.  In some cases I recommend theme to seek a Rolfing Practitioner. 

Firm/Deep Tissue pressure begins with just enough pressure to palpate (push) through the skin and upper fascia into muscles, tendons and ligaments (A.K.A. soft tissue massage).  This technique requires the knowledge of our vital organs and their locations.  

Please do not have this performed by someone that has not had training in Basic Human Anatomy.  

I believe Deep Tissue Massage pressure is adjusted to your preference, not what your therapist thinks you need.  

Pressing through the skin into the muscle and connecting tissue creates an outside force compacting/impacting the body.  Our bodies want to stay alive.  An outside force/pressure is a threat - an attack.  Staying alive means irregular and/or outside forces are resisted.  As the bodies resistance increases the force needed to reach the targeted muscle and/or muscle groups also increases.

Proper administration of this technique relies greatly on our communication.  Our bodies will communicate a great deal, in their own ways.  Some ways are not so obvious.  One sign that seems obvious - is Wincing!  Wincing should not be part of our deep tissue session.  You should NOT feel as if you have to resist the pressure being applied.  If the feeling to resist pressure tells me this pressure is too intense for that muscle or group of muscles, at that time.  We are trying to relax the muscle not through it back into a spasm. 

If the muscle is flexing or you are "helping" while pressure is being applied the session becomes a pseudo Active Release Session.  Active Release Technique is utilized with athletes and the therapist (not the receiver) activates a muscle or group of muscles while palpating/massaging those muscles.  In my experience, if you help - your will be bruised and soar.

TRY not to Help!!!

Try to Consciously Breathe!  

Breathe - Long full belly breaths' - physically tells the body what ever is happening it's okay.