Deep Tissue Massage Class

Learn 6 easy steps to apply firm pressure without hurting your hand in this deep tissue massage class.

Learning How To Massage

When you are first learning to massage, the emotional experience is similar to how it feels when trying to comfort someone in distress. The key to both situations isn’t to say the perfect words, but to be present, compassionate, and kind.

If you feel yourself freeze up, or your mind goes blank, know it’s going to be okay. Take a breath, encourage your nerves to settle, and imagine what you think would feel good, then start with that approach.

As you learn to massage, take your time, be patient, and communicate. A magnificent massage isn’t the result of knowing the best techniques; it’s listening and adapting to someone’s needs.

Swedish Massage Techniques

If you are new to massage, it may help to learn what many describe as the Swedish, or basic, massage techniques. This will introduce you to what are considered the fundamentals of massage.

Why is Swedish massage being mentioned if I am here to learn about deep tissue massage? Like most terms in the massage industry, deep tissue, Swedish massage, and even medical massage are closer to marketing labels than actual massage modalities.

The public uses these terms to find the closest care to what they want. They have a general idea of what Swedish and deep tissue massage are, so by understanding what they expect, you can customize their massage to meet those expectations.

Are They Really Swedish Massage Techniques?

The basic massage techniques were not a byproduct of Swedish massage or medical gymnastics (learn more in massage history), but Johann Georg Mezger, a Dutch physiotherapist, codified them.

Massage Terms Are Not Well Defined

The massage industry’s terminology is not well defined. Deep tissue is one of many terms with different definitions that change depending on who you speak to.

Some deep tissue massage therapists use light pressure, while others use so much force it feels like they are trying to crush your bones. Unfortunately, you can’t know their approach until you are on their treatment table.

MTBOK

People have tried to codify the massage industry’s terminology. In 2011, the MTBOK was created to achieve this goal. National organizations such as the AMTA, ABMP, AFTME, FSMTB, Massage Therapy Foundation, and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork stewarded this effort.

Although the research and development of the MTBOK received strong support, it experienced mixed reviews from the professional body and was not adopted by the industry.

Best Massage Pressure

What are the best massage pressures to use? Many believe firm pressure or deep tissue massage is most beneficial, while others argue that soft pressure is most effective. The actual answer is whatever feels good.

Pressure is subjective. The kinetic force you believe you are applying is likely not the same as what someone perceives they are receiving. The concepts of light, medium, and firm massage pressure levels are abstract ideas. Understanding them, especially as a novice, is a fool’s errand.

It takes years of experience and careful observation to effectively quantify massage pressure levels in a manner that is both helpful and accurate. Fortunately, pressure isn’t about how much force you apply; it’s how you engage with the nervous system.

6 Steps To Perform A Deep Tissue Massage

Massage on a supportive surface.
Watch your joints and avoid using your thumbs.
Communicate as you apply pressure.
Be mindful of your limits.
Explore the skin and muscles.
Massage three-dimensionally.

1. Massage on a supportive surface.

The surface someone lies on affects the massage’s perceived pressure. If you are massaging someone lying on a bed, the pressure you use will feel less than if they were lying on the floor. This is because the soft bed absorbs much of the kinetic force you apply. I strongly advise against couples massaging on beds because it increases the risk of injury, potentially twists the intent of the massage, and reduces the perceived pressure.

Massage therapists do not massage on beds; we use tables that are comfortable but firm. If you don’t have a massage table, I suggest using a soft yoga mat and some pillows instead. This will give you full access to the body while maximizing the kinetic force you apply. However, be mindful of your body mechanics so you do not accidentally hurt yourself.

2. Watch your joints and avoid using your thumbs.

Most people use their thumbs when massaging, or they apply too much force through their fingers. Doing this can cause pain and injury to your hands. Don’t hurt yourself to help someone feel better during a massage.

If you perform a technique once and it hurts, do not do it again, or you will do it a thousand times. Experiencing pain is one way your brain tells you that it is afraid. Listen to it as it talks to you, and find ways to massage that feel comfortable and safe.

3. Communicate as you apply pressure.

A massage isn’t about using the most pressure; it is about using the perfect amount. Be slow in applying your touch, and gentle as you withdraw. This helps the brain feel safe because it avoids sudden movements that can put the nervous system on alert. Let them know that it is okay to say they don’t enjoy the pressure you are using. Tell them the goal is to help them feel magnificent, and you need their input to know what they love.

4. Be mindful of your limits.

Do not apply more pressure than you feel comfortable giving. This applies to both what your body can physically handle and what you think is appropriate to give. Shaking and sweating throughout a massage to give someone the pressure they want isn’t fun. Feeling afraid that you might hurt them isn’t comfortable either.

Listen to your body, and trust your gut. If the pressure feels wrong, don’t give it. If you are at your maximum pressure, communicate it. Simply telling someone you are at your limit is a great growth opportunity. Giving a massage can be a great way to set personal boundaries, learn more about touch, and strengthen your mind-body connection.

5. Explore the skin and muscle.

Talk to the person you are massaging; ask how they feel, and encourage them to describe each sensation. The goal is to help them immerse themselves in the experience and focus on what they are feeling. The more their brain dials in on where you are touching, the more sensations they will feel. This is lowering their interoceptive threshold, which is the amount of stimuli they need to experience for their brain to register it as a sensation.

Take your time, be patient, and curiously explore. The more you feel around and experiment, the greater peace and pleasure you can help them experience. When you touch them, do more than squeeze their arm; explore their bicep, notice its shape, the sinew of the muscle fibers, and landmarks you never noticed before. Be awed by the magnificence of the human body.

6. Massage three-dimensionally.

People are more than a flat plane; they are a three-dimensional form. Muscles have layers, and each layer offers its own unique sensation when massaged. Rubbing one muscle layer against another creates a different sensation than poking or squeezing it. Think about this as you massage and experiment with how you touch them. There are many ways to create the perception of firm pressure simply by how you interact with the muscle.

Deep Tissue Massage Class

JB SPA

2717 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368

Disclaimer

Information provided on this website, including educational materials, pain neuroscience explanations, treatment suggestions, and any other content shared during sessions, classes, or coaching, is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

You should always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you receive here.