People hear the term “deep tissue” and automatically think that it is hard deep digging into the tissues, but that couldn’t be farthest from the truth. True deep tissue is getting releases into the deeper tissues and often times that can be done with some of the lightest touch techniques. Rocking and vibration are some of the most efficient deep tissue techniques known in massage therapy and these techniques tend to get into the deepest tissues most effectively.
Deep pressure on the other hand, is essentially the same as Swedish techniques but applying deeper pressure. Even so, the therapist shouldn’t start out with the deepest pressure as this oftentimes makes the tissue resist treatment. Warming up of the tissues first is the best way to relax the tissues enough to be able to get into them the deepest. This can also be assisted by thermotherapy techniques like a hot pack, hot towel, or even the use of magnesium oil, or analgesics prior to working the area.
If you are on pain killers, whether OTC or prescription, you should not receive deep pressure as you could damage the tissues due to lack of sensitivity. Please consult with your therapist prior to any manual therapy.
