Deep Tissue Therapy

Deep Tissue Therapy is a form of muscle specific deep massage that releases, and balances strained and contracted muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, or connective tissue.

It is a powerful integrative manual therapy system that treats the causes of pain and biomechanical dysfunction. It is a method that does not require the practitioner to work as deep and hard as possible, but rather works as deep as the body will allow without forcing the tissues and causing pain. The results include postural realignment, freedom from pain, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life.

Key Components of Deep Tissue Therapy: While known as “Deep Tissue Therapy,” the Integrated Deep Tissue Therapy System is an integrated group of soft tissue manipulation techniques that combine synergistically to enhance not only whole-body health, but the health of the whole person. The System allows the practitioner to be flexible in choosing which tools are best for the individual’s needs. This wholistic approach is bodywork at its very best, allowing a bridge between the structural alignment approach, relaxation-oriented styles of massage, and energy balancing. Deep Tissue body therapy is the central part of the System. Other components of the Deep Tissue Therapy System are Shiatsu, Polarity, Trigger Point Therapy, Swedish Massage, and Cross Fiber Massage.

Pain Relief & Deep Tissue Therapy: Many times, patients seek care for muscular pain by going for a “massage.” They are often left feeling that the massage was of little help or only lasted for a short time. Deep Tissue Therapy goes beyond the typical application of Swedish Massage for pain relief. Swedish Massage can be helpful for pain but can also just be a “back rub.” Deep Tissue Therapy works at a deeper level of muscular and postural function thus releasing tightness and spasm for long lasting relief and postural balancing.

Rehabilitation & Deep Tissue Therapy: Rehabilitation is meant to restore function and reinstate health. Rehabilitation is a goal of therapy after trauma, loss of function or surgery. Regular physical and occupational rehabilitation are often based on stabilizing joint function through weightlifting and exercise. Deep Tissue Therapy assists functionality of the body but also has as a goal to release and correct compressed joints, postural distortion, muscular spasms and adhesions of tissues. This frees the body up in a new way.

Stress Reduction & Deep Tissue Therapy: Everyone who has a body experiences some form of stress.

 Deep Tissue Therapy can help produce long lasting stress relief because it works with tight muscles and nervous tension in a wholistic, mind-body manner. The interface of structure (body) and energy (psyche) is an acknowledged part of the release process in Deep Tissue Therapy. Just the right amount of deep pressure can help the body let go so that a normal nervous system function can be restored.

Personal Growth & Deep Tissue Therapy: Deep Tissue Therapy can help release mental, emotional and physical toxins from the body. This is done in a careful, mindful manner. Respectful touch is educational in nature and helps one get in contact with somato-emotional (body awareness) perceptions.

Deep Tissue Therapy helps correct:

1. Head, Neck, and Back Pain
2. Scoliosis
3. Emotional Stress
4. Headaches and Jaw Pain
5. Whiplash
6. Digestive Problems
7. Sciatica
8. Postural Imbalances
9. PMS, Menstrual Problems, and Cramping
10. Athletic Injuries
11. Numbness and Tingling in Arms and Legs

Origins of Deep Tissue Therapy

The Deep Tissue Therapy practiced at our clinic is part of the core curriculum and certification of the massage program taught at the Atlanta School of Massage, Atlanta, Georgia. The founder of the school, Fara Allen, studied Lomi Bodywork in California with Heckler and Hall. Lomi Bodywork is an integration of Rolfing, Polarity Therapy, Esalen Massage, Gestalt, and meditation.

Deep Tissue Therapy helps to create a sense of freedom, ease of movement, and increased energy in the bodies of people who receive therapy. Deep Tissue Therapy is a profound tool for pain relief and stress reduction.

Learn More:

Guide to Methods of Deep Tissue Therapy (coming soon!)
The Balanced Body by Donald W. Scheumann (textbook on this type of Deep Tissue Therapy)