Do You Do "Deep Tissue"?

One of the most asked questions of a massage therapist's career is about deep tissue. "Do You Do Deep Tissue?" is asked by employers and clients alike.  The term "Deep Tissue" Massage can evoke strong reactions from clients ranging from elation to anxiety. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what this modality is and what it can do.

Deep Pressure is not the same as Deep Tissue.
The two terms get confused frequently by MTs and the general public. The amount of pressure used in the massage generally refers to the force or weight used by the massage therapist on the client. This can vary from light grazing of the skin to putting my full body weight against someone. In my opinion, one is not necessarily better than the other. What pressure is best for the client is largely dependent, if not totally, on the client's comfort.

Deep Tissue is a technique of massage that involves manipulating musculature that is under the superficial muscles. Mostly this involves moving superficial muscles out of the way. What are superficial muscles? Simply put, they are the muscles you can see when moving: Biceps, glutes, quads, pecs, etc. For example, the picture here shows Pectoralis major (also known as the pec). If you notice on the right side, Pectoralis minor is located under Pectoralis major. An MT could just press really hard on pec major in hopes that they are massaging pec minor too. However, by utilizing deep tissue techniques, they can position the body and their hands to manipulate the muscle more effectively and efficiently.

Deep Tissue Massage does not automatically mean pain.
Many people equate deep tissue massage with painful massage. The truth is, it can be very painful during and after when you are in unexperienced, unknowledgeable hands. Deep tissue massage requires that the MT and the client are in constant communication. If you are looking for a massage where you can lay on the table for an hour and not talk to anyone, deep tissue is not the massage for you. If you are currently receiving deep tissue massage and the MT never asks you about your comfort or pain level, they are not the MT for you. I always tell my clients that on a scale from 1-10, if their pain goes over a 7, I need to know. Always let your therapist know when you are in pain. Your body has a natural reflex to brace itself when it is in pain, and this can be counterproductive in a massage. Deep tissue may mean some discomfort, but in the right hands can be used to provide great relief and benefit.

Deep Tissue Massage isn't necessarily a better massage.
I have a lot of clients that receive great benefit from regular deep tissue massage. I also have a lot of clients who benefit greatly from a light pressure, Swedish massage. Which one is better? The one that the client likes and gives them the most benefit. I LOVE a good Swedish massage. I also, LOVE a good deep tissue massage. The most important part is finding someone who understands what your goals are (relaxation, chronic pain relief, a hour away from your job) and the ability of that MT to help you reach that goal.