Deep tissue massage is a form of massage therapy that employs firm pressure and deliberate strokes to access the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, which is the connective tissue enveloping the muscles. This technique is particularly effective for treating persistent discomfort, such as chronic aches and pain, as well as contracted areas like a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, tight leg muscles, and sore shoulders. By targeting these specific areas of tension, deep tissue massage provides relief and promotes healing.
How Does It Work?
Deep tissue massage is a specialized technique that differs from regular massage in terms of the level of pressure applied. While some strokes may feel similar to those used in Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage focuses on breaking up scar tissue and physically breaking down muscle “knots” or adhesions. These knots can impede circulation, cause pain, limit range of motion, and lead to inflammation.
During a Calmish Spa administered deep tissue massage session, lighter pressure is initially applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. As the session progresses, specific techniques are employed to target and address problem areas. The goal is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being through therapeutic manipulation of soft tissues.
The most common techniques include:
Stripping: Deep, gliding pressure along the length of the muscle fibers using the elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs
Friction: Pressure applied across the grain of a muscle to release adhesion and realign tissue fibers