Deep Tissue Massage services, offered at Mornington Peninsula Massage Therapy, are different to standard massage therapy as it aims at treating specific problem areas, knots, or tightness, rather than focusing on relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage can assist in relieving pain, realigning muscle and tissue fibers, and rehabilitation of injuries. It can be used to treat the following conditions:
Upper back or neck pain / Lower back pain / Muscle spasm and tension / Recovery from sports injuries / Reduced movement / Postural Problems / Repetitive Strain injury (RSI) / Musculoskeletal pain, stiffness or tenderness (Fibromyalgia).
Chronic muscle tension or injuries can cause adhesions or knots, which are sections of rigid tissue that develop in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can often cause pain, limited blood circulation and reduced movement. Deep tissue massage works at breaking down these adhesions and scar tissue to reduce pain and increase movement.
Some of the massage techniques and strokes are similar to a relaxation massage and at the beginning of the massage a lighter pressure will be used to prep the muscles. Eventually your massage therapist will apply deeper pressure across the grain of the muscles, possibly using their elbow, forearms, knuckles, and thumbs, for a deeper manipulation of the muscle fibers.
Due to the nature of these techniques, and the necessity for a lot of pressure, you may feel some discomfort or slight pain as your therapist works on painful adhesions and knots. If you do feel any pain, you should always mention this to your massage therapist, as they can adjust their technique, reduce pressure, or further prep the muscle. You should not assume that pain is a good sign, as your body can respond by tensing up further, and can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the massage.
It is normal to feel tenderness or soreness following a Deep Tissue Massage, this should subside within a day or two. If you have any concerns or experience unusual pain after your massage, please contact your massage therapist. It is advised to drink plenty of water after your massage as this will assist in flushing out metabolic waste from the muscles.
At Mornington Peninsula Massage Therapy our therapists will consult with you before your massage about your condition, and discuss the treatment with you. If you are interested in a Deep Tissue Massage, request a booking with us now.
