Deep Tissue: No Pain, No Gain?

When looking for a massage, we usually have a goal in mind: to relax, to work on some pains or discomforts, or relieve soreness from a workout. We might be looking for comfort for our bodies and minds for whatever time of life we are in. Specifically, the benefits of deep tissue can be improving overall motion/flexibility through working out adhesions, improve stress and body posture, and help alleviate chronic muscle tension. Deep tissue also circulates blood flow and relieves muscle tension while working on knots and tightness in that deep layer of connective tissue.

But how deep is deep? Is it supposed to be uncomfortable? Or even painful? While there is more pressure applied in deep tissue through slow, firm strokes, it is never supposed to be unbearable, but it can feel uncomfortable. And yes, it can make you feel sore the next day (so rest and drink lots of water!).

We have found more and more clients recently who are drawn to deep tissue work, and it got us thinking. Our general demographic here in Truckee, CA is athletes. Being a beautiful mountain town in the Sierra Nevada, many people who live here or visit thrive outside in whatever their sport is. This may be mountain biking, climbing, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, and the list goes on. We were curious if the intense nature of these sports - that push to conquer a challenge, beat your personal best, learn a new trick - might transfer to a perspective on massage. Perhaps a need for some kind of challenge to feel as if you’ve earned rest, regardless if you are an athlete or not.

Whatever the reason is, deep tissue is hot in demand. Our therapists have stories of clients wanting deep tissue with very hard pressure, even wanting it to hurt just a bit. But does it help?

Of course, we gladly give the clients what they want and keep open communication to check in, making sure it is never too much. But some of our therapists don’t think the pressure has to be so deep to get the same benefits. More pressure does not always equal more benefits. Having your body relaxed actually helps you to receive the body work from the massage! If the body is tensed up because the pressure is too hard, it is actually counterintuitive to the purpose of the massage. Because of this, if there is a mutual agreement between the client and the therapist, our therapists have specific techniques to work on the deep connective tissues while keeping the body calm and relaxed. This allows the therapist more access to the kinks and knots that need to get worked on to achieve the goals of the massage. If a client wants to further prepare their body for deep tissue massage, they can loosen up their muscles with a sauna, like the infrared sauna in our Zensory Lounge. The heat causes more circulation, allowing muscles to relax, and then the therapist can more easily work out knots and other targeted areas.

We all have different preferences on pressure and what our bodies can handle, but if it doesn't feel good, speak up! We will work on those deep connective tissues in whatever way that feels good to you. Even if maybe you want it to hurt just a little bit, you have your back. But keep in mind, you can feel good and help your body feel better later too!