Quality Deep Tissue Massage by Certified Therapist in Sydney
Over the last 9 years or so there has been an increase in the popularity of Deep Tissue Massage in Sydney as people are looking effective ways to treat musculoskeletal problems in a way that is gentle, non-manipulative, hands-on, and can address muscular stress and tension.
Deep tissue treatments don’t involve the use machines or devices to work into the muscles. It’s a “hand-on” approach and this involves various massage techniques which will dependant on the therapists’ individual training.
So, “what does Deep Tissue actually mean?” Well, there isn’t a definitive definition and it seems to have been coined around the 1980’s as ‘massage’ was becoming a more defined, established, & specific therapy. Essentially, the hands, thumbs, fingers, forearms and elbows are used to massage, move and articulate the muscles and joints and other soft tissue structures not only at a surface level but at deeper levels as well. This is in contrast to say Swedish massage for example, which is focused on the surface levels, including skin stimulation. The actual techniques used depend on the therapists training and their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and musculoskeletal pathology.
Deep Tissue Massage is not about how hard pressure is! It is about technique. When working with the deeper structures of the body, great relief of aches or pains, stress and tension can be enjoyed by targeting specific structures and stimulation normal functioning of these areas. It’s not about how hard the pressure is.
I have a medical science degree which means a university level understanding and knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, for example. Understanding the body at this level means that problem area can be more effectively treated and essentially, you’ll receive a better treatment.
Whether you are having a general muscles-releasing massage treatment or having treatment for a scoliosis or spasmed neck, a detailed understanding of the body and treatment protocols is essential.
Having been trained by osteopaths, I have a wide range of therapeutic techniques available to me to work into the muscles at a deeper level as well be able to assess joint function and postural issues.
I place a high priority on relaxation during your treatment – you can really enjoy a treatment even when you are treating a problem, aches and pains. Deep Tissue massage can be, and is, a pleasurable experience.
Your treatment will be a firm or as gentle as you like. Of course some of my clients prefer stronger pressure during their treatment – and this is fine. I have the strength to work as deeply as you like.
The Conditions Deep Tissue Massage Can Treat
As part of my practice, Deep Tissue Massage plays an important role in 90% for my Body Work clients – it is an important technique in many treatments. For this reason Deep Tissue is helpful in the treatment of many different situations and it is actually easier to say what it is not useful for – and that is acute conditions where there is pain, inflammation, soft tissue damage or swelling.
For most other conditions Deep Tissue techniques can be employed when you need to address the underlying tissue, muscles or joints to help re-establish normal healthy functioning or re-establish better range of motion of joints for example. For these reasons the technique can be helpful for conditions that include arthritis, scoliosis, immobile joints, non-acute injuries, deep or chronic muscle tension and tightness.
One of the main reasons Deep Tissue massage can be so helpful when used effectively, is that underlying problems are addressed (rather than just treating more superficial issues) and this means that the overall results of the treatment may be better and longer lasting.
Steps Involved In Deep Tissue Massage
The preparatory stage of a deep tissue treatment is an important step and can make all the difference between a great treatment and one that is mediocre. The initial assessment can take a few minutes or it can be very quick indeed – it all depends on the particular condition and the reasons for having a Massage treatment.
When having a deep tissue treatment, there will be some sort of assessment of the client and how long this takes and how detailed this is, will depend on the reason they are having treatment. If you are going to be working on and massaging deeper structures, then it’s really important to know how the deeper structures are affected so that you firstly know how to help treat the area and secondly, so that you don’t do any damage!
The general approach is to palpate the surface structures and gauge the muscle integrity, identify inflammation or pain, areas of restriction etc. Then deeper structures are palpated and assessed and then can be massaged, stretched, mobilised or articulated.
Frequently Asked Questions on Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue treatments, when performed well, are not painful. It is possible to get into deep structures and provide the treatment or release deep muscle tension, without pain. Of course there is that “pleasure-pain” barrier where it feels so good to work into an area but it is kind of painful at the same time. I am guided by my clients here and never cross that line. There are some conditions when there can be some pain when an area is being treated. However, in these situations I am always guided by my client and their comfort.
If you have one area you want massage on, (ex shoulders) the 30 min time is plenty. Because I have been doing this for many years there is no ‘fluffing around’! Your treatments are focused and intense in the sense that time is not wasted. We get right into the treatment straight away. So you will get a lot from a 30 min treatment with me. If there are a few areas to work on then a longer treatment is required. If you want to just check me out as they say, then try a 30 min treatment!
Relaxation is a key ingredient in all of my body work treatments. They way to achieve deeper levels of relaxation and release of tension is to address not just surface tension, but to identify and treat the underlying issues that are contributing to the tension in the first place.
Just with any Body Work treatment, the areas to be worked on are exposed. Underwear is always worn and gowns provided. If someone prefers to leave clothes on, that’s fine too – we just do things a little differently (and not use any oil!!).
Don’t worry! If you get cold easily or it’s a cold day you will well looked after. Heaters turned to full, heat pack, warmed table, blankets…you will be warm! I think this comes from my days living in Ballarat (the coldest place in Victoria!) and being a patient in rooms that were never warm enough in Winter!
Very little! When you know anatomy, pathology & physiology, it is very safe to work deeply into the body. Also using safe, tried and tested techniques means a safe treatment. I never manipulate “crack” joints for example and so any concern in that regard is not an issue.
Book a Deep Tissue Massage Session Now
Would You Like To Enjoy A Relaxed, Pain-free, and Flexible Body? Make an appointment now and come on in.