Deep tissue is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscles and connective tissues; to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries; break up scar tissue, often assisted with Graston tools and techniques; break down muscle adhesions (knots which are bands of muscle adhesions, which can be rigid, cause pain and inflammation); and offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat muscle pain, injuries, chronic-use injuries, helps improve stiffness and mobility, and helps deepen range of motion. Deep tissue helps to relieve pain from restrictions and lack of mobility and promotes faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. Although Deep tissue is not focused on relaxation, it helps the client to unwind mentally and relax physically, because, as the muscle restrictions release, so do other aspects of the body and mind release.
Deep tissue involves applying firm pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues, trigger point therapy, and Graston tools. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduces tension in muscles, fascia, and connective tissue. I specifically target and palpate where the muscles attach to the bones, with applied pressure, until the muscle restrictions release. This technique complements slow deep strokes and pressure point massage. I incorporate stretching techniques with certain muscles to help increase the range of motion and release restricted tissue.