what is the difference between a “Deep Tissue” massage and a “deep” massage?
The source of constant confusion for many people (including massage therapists) is the term “Deep Tissue.” The name implies that it is simply a full-body Swedish massage using “deeper” or firmer pressure, which it is not. In a Deep Tissue session, just as in a Swedish session the depth of pressure varies according to the tolerance and needs of the client. The difference lies not in the pressure used but rather in the object and focus of the work. In a Swedish session, regardless of the pressure used, the focus is providing a “complete” and relaxing session. The strokes are designed to be broad and non-specific with a focus on providing a sense of wholeness and balance. In a Deep Tissue session (as in an NMT session), the focus is on treating a particular injury or pain pattern. Here, we define an area of related and opposing muscles and work just in that area. In this type of session, we thoroughly search each involved muscle from insertion to origin for scar tissue, adhesions, trigger
