“Deep tissue massage” was a term popularized by certified advanced Rolfer Art Riggs. Art noticed that at the time the massage therapy industry had two distinct types of practitioners. On one hand, there were spa type massage therapists offering general, relaxing massage with lots of broad strokes. On the other hand, there were Rolfers like him who were offering detailed and specific soft tissue work, often working on deeper structures. What Art wanted to do was give massage therapists many of the tools Rolfers were using to provide their clients with effective and long-lasting relief.
Art wrote “Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide To Techniques” and taught massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors all over the world. His focus was on teaching his students anatomy, and then teaching them how to use their fingers, knuckles, forearms, and elbows to impact those structures.
What Deep Tissue Massage Is and Isn’t
Most people think that deep tissue massage means more pressure or “going deeper.” However, deep tissue massage isn’t about pressure, it’s about intent. It’s about understanding anatomy, and then using the best tool(s) for impacting those muscles/structures. Depending on where those muscles/structures are, what they looks like, or what kind of resting tone they have may warrant more pressure, but there’s no rule in deep tissue that more pressure or more pain will yield a better result. Deep tissue is about feeling for problems with your hands and addressing them appropriately.
Who Deep Tissue Massage Is For
Deep tissue massage is particularly useful for athletes who want to recover faster and avoid injuries. It’s also helpful for people who have areas of chronic tension or simply those who have trouble relaxing.
Pain Solutions Massage Therapy & Personal Training
Phone: 415.518.2125
Email: ben.beeler2014@gmail.com
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:15am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:15am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:15am – 5:30pm
Friday: 8:15am – 5:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Close
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