Deep tissue massage helps to improve flexibility and reduce pain. Often when muscles are held in one position for long periods, as is so often the case whist we’re driving or using computers, they become compromised. They can begin to form adhesions (that we commonly call ” knots”) which hold the muscle tight, making movement uncomfortable. In these situations deep massage helps to breakdown the adhesions restoring the body’s normal fluidity.
A muscle which is held in this way also begins to lose its natural lubricants and is unable to relieve itself of the burden of its waste products, further exacerbating the situation. Massage is a very good remedy for both of these conditions
It is not only postural and work related issues which deep tissue work addresses. Sometimes these muscular tensions arise from less obvious causes – stress, emotional demands, and the pace of modem life all can take their toll. Tight muscles can compress nerves causing discomfort away from the site of the tension, and leading to headaches, sciatica etc.
Injuries to the soft tissues of the body also respond well to deep tissue work where muscles often contract around an injury initially to protect the area. Once the threat has gone the tension often remains, delaying full recovery.
With deep tissue work, clients are sometimes concerned that it will be painful. Deep work is not intrinsically uncomfortable but some clients do report what they call “grateful pain” – the feeling that the body benefits from deep attention. When dealing with discomfort a skilled therapist would only work gradually into the area and always with the guidance of the client.