Deep tissue massage is a beneficial type of trigger point therapy that can provide stress relief for tense or injured muscles, break up scar tissue, improve your blood pressure levels and reduce chronic pain throughout the body. Some even find it to be rather relaxing; even though deep tissue massage uses firmly applied pressure, it can still be seen as an opportunity for stress relief since the end result leads to alleviated – or fully eliminated – pain.
Interested in exploring different types of deep tissue massage? Here are the most common deep tissue massage techniques to expect in a session:
1. Cross Fiber Friction Technique
Also known as transverse friction massage, this technique is designed to reduce the roughness that forms between tendons and ligaments – a condition that often turns into tendonitis. The cross fiber friction technique promotes collagen healing through increased circulation, breaking up scar tissue and preventing collagen from cross-linking. A massage therapist administers this by using the thumb or another finger to apply intense pressure to the specific muscle or tendon.
2. Muscle Energy Technique
The Muscle Energy Technique, generally referred to as M.E.T., is a manual trigger point therapy style used to lengthen, strengthen, and relax the muscles. It’s also used to stretch the tissues and correct muscle imbalances. This is considered an active technique, as the patient is also an active participant in the session. Your massage therapist will ask you to contract your muscle or resistant movement while they stretch the muscle out.
3. Active Release Technique
The Active Release Technique, A.R.T., relieves tissue tension by removing fibrosis or adhesions that develop within the tissue. This condition is typically a result of the overuse of tissue. Without proper care, this can weaken the muscles and cause numbness or burning in the targeted area. To perform the Active Release Technique, a massage therapist will use their hands to assess the problem area, then guide you to stretch and contract your muscles. At this time, the massage therapist will use their hands to break up the scar tissue. This technique almost always provides instant relief.
At Reflections Therapeutic Massage, we use all of these techniques using deep, slow strokes and pressure to break up the tension in the muscles and connective tissue. Choose between a 60-minute or 90-minute session based on your personal preference.
At the beginning of your deep tissue massage session, the massage therapist will provide a consultation to get an understanding of your soreness and how it’s impacting your ability to move and relax. From there, they’ll decide which technique works best for you.
Are you ready for relief? Schedule your deep tissue massage today.