I have heard it for 23 years, and I continue to hear it, often when new massage clients call to enquire. "Do you offer Deep Tissue massage?" and similarly, "I haven't had a professional massage before, but my friend told me that I wanted Deep Tissue, that Deep Tissue is the best". These are signs of 1) misinformation and misguided advice, 2) confusion about massage styles, and 3) that Massage Therapists are not being true to you or to the industry .
First, let's address the misinformation. It is inaccurate to portray Deep Tissue as the Cadillac of massage types, or the massage that every newbie wants. Massage is subjective, and what feels good to one person's body does not necessarily feel good to someone else's body. Someone new to massage can actually get bruised, or be sore for days after their massage, if they are led to believe that a massage needs to hurt in order to help you. That's a myth that gets people injured! Massage does not need to "hurt so good" to be deeply relaxing and therapeutic.
So, although your friend may have good intentions, it is imprudent for anyone to tell you what kind of massage you want. Furthermore, you may want a different massage from one session to another, depending on your physical needs that week, or that day.
Second, Deep Tissue is probably not what you think it is! Deep Tissue is a manual technique that is used to target trouble areas, or spots. It's localized and focused. Deep Tissue is not performed as a full-body massage.
Some muscles want a firmer touch, but others need a lighter touch. For example, your lower back muscles can take much more pressure than your neck muscles. Your thighs can take more pressure than your glutes, typically. Where there are many layers of muscles, they can take more pressure than small, individual muscles.
Maybe you are confusing Deep Tissue with firm pressure Swedish? You probably have heard of Swedish massage as "fluff and buff", or that Swedish is synonymous with light pressure. But these misrepresentations are inaccurate! Swedish Massage includes a series of foundational massage techniques (effleurage, petrissage, and percussion). Swedish Massage can involve any level of pressure: light, medium, or firm.
Let's be honest: the amount of pressure you receive during a massage is largely determined by the strength, and techniques, of the Massage Therapist. To give a massage with firm pressure, the Massage Therapist needs to be strong, fit, and active, and they need to know techniques that leverage their strength and body weight to better apply pressure.
Third, these myths keep circling around because Massage Therapists don't want to give clients an educational lesson about what is, and what isn't, Deep Tissue every time someone enquires about a massage. We don't correct our clients, and we perpetuate the myths and misunderstandings about Deep Tissue. We are keeping clients trapped in a web of lies, and we are keeping our own Massage Therapy industry stuck. Deep Tissue has become heightened to a status, as if it were the pinnacle of massage techniques. But actually, Deep Tissue techniques are not meant for the whole body, and they are not usually relaxing (like a firm pressure Swedish Massage).
So, the next time Massage Therapy styles are brought up...demonstrate your massage knowledge. Tell your friend what Deep Tissue actually is, and how they are likely mistaking it for firm pressure Swedish.
If you want a relaxing massage, with medium-to-firm pressure, you should ask for a Swedish Massage, or a Therapeutic Massage. Throughout the massage, communicate with your Massage Therapist if you need more pressure, or less pressure, or if it's just the right amount. If you ask but the pressure still feels too light, then you'll want to seek a stronger Massage Therapist for your next massage.
A Hot Stone Massage is blissful, deeply relaxing, and grounding. Everyone must experience the peace of a Hot Stone Massage! But it's not as amenable to firm pressure, so if you seek relaxation, get a Hot Stone Massage, but if you need firm pressure or you have "knots" and tight spots that need to be untangled, then a Swedish or Therapeutic Massage (with Deep Tissue for those spots) is what you probably want.
My unique "A to Zia Massage" is a blend of massage techniques, customized to your body's needs at the time of your session. It's 90 minutes, which can include Swedish, Thai or Sports Massage, and/or Deep Tissue (in spots). Cupping can also be included. (And I can provide any amount of pressure during your massage).
Include Massage in your self-care regimen. Book yours today!
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