What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Want to bring lasting relief to your clients who suffer from chronic pain and residual soreness due to illness or injury? If so, it's time to go deep.

Deep tissue massage targets the connective and muscle tissues that lie deep beneath the surface. This is not a relaxing, "day at the spa" kind of treatment: It's designed to heal.

Massage therapists use slow and strong techniques to relax surface muscles and affect the tissue that's deeper within. This style of massage can be an effective supplement to sports injury rehabilitation, treatment for arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, or even intense stress-related pain. A 2008 study conducted by the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center indicated that deep tissue massage therapy can even have a positive influence on blood pressure and heart rate.

The imperative of training

Because this technique deals with more than just superficial muscles and gentle relaxation, it is especially important that deep tissue massages be administered only by certified professionals, who know exactly what they're doing--otherwise, you risk injuring your client.

Deep tissue massage can be an effective element of pain management or injury rehabilitation, whether your client is seeking alternative medical treatment to address pain resulting from an injury or chronic pain, or simply wants to supplement their conventional medical care. Consider pursuing deeper education and training in this healing technique, and bring your clients deeper relief and results.