What is it?
Deep Tissue Does not need to be Painful
Muscle and connective tissue are layered on the body. Sometimes “knots”, or trigger points, develop in these tissues and cause tension, pain, or numbness. Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and specific pressure to address these issues. First, muscles and tissues are warmed so the therapist can move the tissues and work into deeper muscles with the least amount of pain. Then, pressure is applied to areas that the client experiences the problem. Frequent questions- “Is this the spot?” “More or less pressure?” “Does it feel better if I press and hold or if I move over it?”- are asked to see what feels the best to the client. Movement and stretching may also be used to help release trigger points. Pressure and movement help these muscles “release” or “break up” adhesions which alleviates pain. Sometimes trigger points cause symptoms in places other when they are located. For example, trigger points in the lower back and glute area may cause numbness in the thighs, calves, and even feet.
