"Do you do deep tissue massage?"

Yes, it's true. I'm kicking off this blog with one of my most favorite subjects... and most asked question.  Do you do deep tissue massage? Over the years I have found myself stumbling over the answer. When most people ask this, I think they are asking if I work with deep pressure in a therapeutic manner rather than offering a light touch for relaxation.

Let me offer a differentiation here: Deep tissue massage vs. deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is a series of techniques that are applied to deep layers of soft tissue often used to break up adhesions, re-align connective tissue, and relieve severe muscle tension or musculo-skeletal disorders. Usually it is focused on one particular area of the body and is often a very intense and precise form of bodywork. Deep pressure refers to massage with sustained deep pressure throughout the body. 

So yes, I do deep tissue massage and most often, I offer deep pressure. In order to determine what is being called for, I find communication is key!  Pressure is subjective. Pain is subjective. One person's "deep" is another person's "I can barely feel the pressure." How a body receives the pressure that I'm giving is uniquely personal, and it is so important to hear from the person on the table.