Deep Tissue Massage Therapy - Is It For Meatheads?

Everyone loves a good massage. Some people feel that if it isn't deep, then it is not a massage - that could be you - well BALONEY to that thought.

Let's revisit the scope of practice of massage therapy according the CMTO for you:

"Massage Therapy practice is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain." (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).

One of the main themes that runs rampant for massage therapists when treating is - "DO NO HARM". So with that in mind how beneficial is deep tissue massage for you if your massage therapist is standing on you with their knee digging into your back?

Let's face it, the perfect massage is different for everyone.

Tolerance for Deep Tissue Massage

One of my favorite lines is "I have a high tolerance for pain" - well... get underneath my hands and let me decide...

Let me give you an example of a client of mine that I treat. This individual is about six foot four and weighs 290lbs. He is probably the biggest client I have ever treated before. The work I do on him is all done without oil. It is primarily a form of direct myofascial release.

You would figure for a guy that size he would be able to handle my deepest deep tissue massage techniques - like my elbow or forearm running up and down his back or stripping through and separating his hamstring muscles from one another.

While he can tolerate a fair bit of pressure, he still cannot handle my deepest deep tissue massage. I have to ease up on the pressure I use with him from time to time.

Compare that to a female client I have that is about five foot two and probably about 100lbs soaking wet who gives me permission for deep tissue massage.

Many people like to believe that they have a high tolerance to pain. Of course you can take more pressure than the person before you; however is it possible that person after you can handle more?

Deep Tissue Massage Is Relative

Deep tissue massage is relative to the person giving it and the person receiving it. Since each of us carries our own pain threshold it is very subjective. I have had only one client in the ten plus years of treating who has been able to handle deep tissue massage in its purest sense. This one man I treated fell asleep while my reinforced elbow continued to get deeper and deeper on his back until I decided to hold off on any more pressure.

Then there is the other side to massage. Some people go for a massage because they like the "caring intimate" professional touch in a safe environment. it gives them the opportunity to speak their mind and share their "darkest" secrets without any repercussions.

Deep tissue massage is not for everyone and not all massage therapists provide deep treatments. The key here is to find what works for you and to stick with that massage therapist.