Deep tissue massage techniques are used to ease and release tension deep within the muscles.  While professional therapists commonly use deep tissue massage techniques on people who are recovering from an accident or sports injury, you can learn how to give a deep tissue massage to help increase blood circulation in underused muscles, relieve chronic tension in the muscles throughout the body, and break down scar tissue or knots deep within the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage – How it Works

Not only does deep tissue massage feel good, but it can help to improve your health.  Muscles that are stressed can block oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to inflammation.  This inflammation can build up toxins in the muscle tissue.  Deep tissue massage techniques will help loosen the muscle tissues and release the toxins from the muscles.   This will help the blood and oxygen to circulate correctly.  Drinking plenty of water is very important to help flush out the toxins that are being released.

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Deep Tissue Massage Techniques

There are a few different deep tissue massage techniques that provide different benefits.  Listed below are the most common:

• Classic Massage Therapy Technique – This technique involves a slow hand movement and a little deeper pressure.  The areas that are targeted are those that are tense and hurt.
• Elbows and Fingers Technique – This technique involves using the elbows and fingers.  A deep penetrating massage is given by the tip of the elbows and fingers, instead of the whole palm.  This technique is great for releasing the knots in the body.  People who usually need this technique are those who complain of stiffness or fatigue.
• Ceramic Massage Technique – This technique should only used by qualified therapists who have been trained with the tools.  The ceramic massage tools are made of glass or wood.

While there are different deep tissue massage techniques, they have some things in common.  In all of the deep tissue massage techniques, slow, long, and flowing strokes are used.  Moving too fast can cause more tension in the muscles.  Another thing they have in common is they all require a firm pressure on the troubled areas, such as knots.  These special areas will be massaged until the blockage is released.

How to give a Deep Tissue Spinal Massage

1. Have the person lie on his/her stomach on a firm, yet comfortable surface.  Be sure you can reach the person’s entire back without putting strain on your own back.
2. Stand by his/her side.  Keep one hand on the lower back and one hand on the shoulder blades right over heart.
3. With your thumbs, apply pressure along both sides of the spine at the same time.  This is to warm up the back.  Go down to the lower back and knead “slowly” with your thumbs up to the neck.
4. With a smooth and delicate stroke, apply massage oil.  In a long stroke, glide the palms of your hands down on both sides of the spine to the pelvis.  Scoop hands out across the hips and back up the sides to the shoulders.  Keep your hands on the back, but then slide your hands over the back to start on a new area.
5. Massage up both sides of the neck to the base of head.  Glide your palms in opposite directions outwards to the sides of the back.  Move up to the shoulders.
6. Massage the top of the shoulders, then the mid-back, and then the buttocks.  This will loosen and relax the muscles and fascia.
7. Exert pressure with your thumbs or fingers to the hard or tight areas, which are also called “knots.”  Rub in a clockwise circular motion with your fingertips.
8. Move along the muscles near the spine and up around the shoulder blades.
9. Rotate the arms and rub to loosen the shoulder joints and help to improve blood flow.

Deep tissue massage techniques can cause discomfort.  Expect to be sore for a few hours up to two days; however, the benefits are amazing.

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