Deep Therapeutic Treatment

Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. It also is used to aid in breaking habitual patterns of poor posture.

Some of the same strokes are used as in a relaxation treatment, but the movement is slower and the pressure is concentrated more deeply on areas of tension and pain. Alison usually combines the elements of a relaxation treatment and deep tissue massage in her work. Your treatment goals will help Alison to determine the combination that is right for you. How does deep tissue massage work? When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the Alison often uses deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. Very little oil or lotion is used in order to gain better traction on the tissue. Will deep tissue massage hurt? At certain points during a deep tissue massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort or pain.

It is important to tell Alison when things hurt, especially if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. The techniques are applied in a slow and controlled manner, and you maintain communication with Alison so that the discomfort should never exceed your tolerance levels.

If the discomfort of the massage is causing you to tense your muscles or to hold your breath, then this is too much. It is counterproductive to the overall goal of the treatment. The treatment will in fact be deeper and more effective if the pressure of the massage is reduced slightly

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice or heat to the area after the massage