Deep tissue massage is becoming a more and more popular type of massage, so it is important for those that have never received one, or may have had a bad experience, to know the difference between a good deep tissue massage, a bad deep tissue massage, and why when an RMT asks how the pressure feels, why it's important to be upfront and honest.

Before your first Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage utilizes more advanced techniques, and usually more direct pressure using thumbs, knuckles, forearms or elbows. I would not consider it a relaxing experience, but you can ask the therapist to mix in some other types of massage. If you have a lot of back problems, they can intersperse deeper techniques with more soothing, relaxing techniques. This may help prevent the area being treated from getting tender too quickly, and adds more enjoyment to your massage.

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If you have taken a look at one of my business cards in the past year, you've probably noticed the above words as my slogan. Recently I've had a few clients inquire what exactly it is that they mean.

Prevent.

One of my major aims for all my clients, but especially for my more active clients, is to prevent injury and dysfunction. Whether the threat of injury comes from sport, work, or hobby, it is important to ensure effective precautions are taken to avoid the downtime caused by an injury.
Injuries are any damage to your body, the most common injuries we think about result in inflammation; sprains, strains, bruises, cuts, etc… but injury covers many other forms of harm, including injury to your mental health. Learning (and practicing) stress reduction and relaxation techniques is also vital to your wellbeing.

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Stress and You

A change in environment is a stress on your body. Whether mental or physical, when this change becomes apparent to you, your body has already undergone a series of responses in regulating its internal systems to counterbalance this stress.

Let's Get Technical

Homeostasis is the ability of your body to attempt to maintain a state of balance or stability when dealing with external changes.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) stimulates and controls the subconscious functions of your body. A functional component of the nervous system controlled by the higher centres in the brain. It has two divisions, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

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So it's a new year, and everyone is into the "new you" mode. Exercising regularly, eating healthy, cutting back on vices, and trying to improve overall mental, physical and spiritual health. So you're already getting massages… but how can you make those relaxed shoulders and upper back last until your next massage?

Well, the following sounds like a pretty simple plan, but so is consuming less sugar and salt in your diet. By slowly implementing these changes into your life, you can be sure that they become lasting habits, and help you on your way to the "best you" you can be.

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