24/06/2024
What is deep tissue massage therapy / medical massage therapy? The most common form of what is referred to as 'deep tissue massage' often means the therapist is simply using more pressure, going deeper into the tissues. This article will dive into what is comprehensive musculoskeletal therapy that may go by a variety of names and professional modalities.
Deep tissue therapy and/or medical massage therapy (lesser known as musculoskeletal therapies) involve an extensive knowledge of the soft tissues (and bones) of the body that include: muscles, fascia, connective tissues (ligaments & tendons), the lymphatic system, organs, as well as a clinical knowledge of how to avoid injury, harm or pain to nerves, arteries, veins, and fragile bones such as the floating ribs, transverse processes of the spine or the xyphoid process of the rib cage.
A deeper knowledge based in formal and informal study as well as extensive time in clinical practice are critical with musculoskeletal/deep tissue therapies to avoid harm and for maximum benefits. Deep massage with 'strong hands' is simply that and while this can be enjoyable and provide some benefits it is not intended to correct or address specific pathologies that many times can aid a person in avoiding surgery entirely, pharmaceuticals/injections for pain management, or postponing either well into the future.
A client might have some success with massage, only to find that the issue returns or a related problem surfaces due to a lack of understanding of FUNCTION and how the various areas of the body connect, relate and impact other areas. (Example; therapy that focuses on correcting a shoulder condition without fully addressing the neck, may relieve the shoulder condition while creating problems with the neck mobility and/or painful conditions. Physical Therapy (PT) that is an extension of western medicine views and treats the body in parts rather than seeing or treating the entire system as a whole that relates to a particular pathology). It also tends to be very expensive when not fully covered by insurance.
Benefits of musculoskeletal therapies (viewing and treating the body as a system, the whole of its' parts) can include complete healing from chronic or acute pain conditions, postural / spinal alignment issues, arthritis in joints, thoracic outlet syndrome, hip pain, knee pain, recovery from surgery, rehabilitation post stroke, accidents and more. Finally, the client is more than just the sum of their body parts and should be treated as such.
Below are examples of the deepest, strong movers and stabilizing muscles that attach to bones of the cervical spine and occiput at the base of the skull. These are the deepest muscles of the neck in this area; there are many other muscles that lie on top with the upper trap covering all. The traps together form the shape of a diamond or trapezoid. The pair has many attachment points to bones which are critical for the therapist to know and understand how to treat them for a variety of conditions included in the neck and shoulders. Ligaments and tendons also require assessment and treatment with complex conditions.
Oblique Capitis Inferior (left image)
Suboccipital muscles (right upper image)
Trapezius Muscle (right lower image) largest and most superficial muscle of the torso.
When you are in the hands of a highly skilled therapist, the client does not need to be concerned with this amount of general information and is able to focus and understand their specific concerns. This information is intended to shed light on variances with soft tissue therapies and to provide an explanation of what 'deep tissue' therapies mean and that services range from basic to complex. Requesting a 'deep tissue' massage therapist is very general and many times people do not receive the maximum benefit or any benefit for their concerns and conditions.
Additionally, almost all medical doctors will offer recommendations/referrals for surgery and/or pharmaceuticals as they are not educated or trained in the art and science of musculoskeletal therapies. Chiropractic and/or physical therapy (known as PT) can be helpful in many cases, but, not as comprehensive in scope as musculoskeletal therapy.
The human body is designed to heal itself when given the right set of circumstances for healing and pain relief. When seeking help, it is best to begin with natural therapies before exploring more invasive medical options.
My motto is that I can help anyone to improve - the degree of improvement sought after depends on many factors including the willingness of the client to have an open mind and spirit of cooperation between treatments. Learning self care and self help remedies from me will take clients a very long way to happier, healthy living. Many people turn to the internet for information about their bodies and overall health. It is a wonderful tool for information but it cannot take the place of a skilled practioner who has you in their care addressing your specific concerns with therapy but also education in order for you to understand your conditions and learn how to help yourself in the process. Each person is unique in every way.
Yours in health and wellness,
-Erin Dixon, LMT ABT
