deep tissue massage


deep tissue massage

A type of massage in which the fingers, thumbs and elbows are used to release chronic muscle tension, using slow, deep strokes and friction; the therapist may work perpendicularly to the length of the fibres of the superficial muscles, with the intent of massaging muscle that lies underneath. The therapy borrows from other forms of bodywork, including Chua ka, cross-fibre friction massage, deep tissue sculpting, Hellerwork, Rolfing and others; it is believed to increase blood flow and to be of greatest use in problem muscles for pain, rehabilitation and arthritic complaints.

deep tis·sue mas·sage

(dēp tish'ū mă-sahzh') A group of massage techniques designed to access multiple layers of muscle and fascia to improve alignment, reduce levels of resting tension, and create more efficient postural and movement patterns.
See also: structural integration, neuromuscular therapy