Deep Tissue Massage

When suffering from pain in your head, neck, and/or back (or arms and legs), deep tissue can be so helpful.  It usually involves warming up the area with more superficial work and gradually working through the layers of connective and muscle tissue with more pressure, using fingers, hands, elbows, stones, or other tools.

Over the years, many new clients have said “No Deep Tissue!” since they had previously experienced much pain or soreness from another “deep tissue” massage. Know that your massage with Susan will be as gentle and as deep as is therapeutic. Susan will not push into a muscle more than it allows, since that injures both the muscle and instrument pushing into it (Susan’s hands!). There are many other techniques that work deeply besides deep pressure, such as cupping, craniosacral therapy, and stretching.

Having said that, there is often a level of slight soreness or discomfort that actually feels good to clients. But that is not required! Clients are reminded that they need to be able to breathe fully and relax with any deeper work, so their muscles are not tightening reflexively to protect against pain or injury. The goal is to relax the muscles and fascia so the restricted blood flow is restored, toxins moved out, and tension/pain is reduced. The “no pain, no gain” adage is NOT always true.  That is how many people get hurt, pushing their bodies too far.

If an area has been very tight and with limited circulation, clients may feel a little soreness the next day, which is very normal. It is similar to next-day soreness from using muscles that haven’t been used in a while. And it is lessened by being well hydrated before and after massage. (Drink your water and herbal teas often!) Typically, those who are active and well hydrated have good circulation and don’t experience much, if any, post massage soreness. Epsom salt soaks have been known to help relieve discomfort, also.