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The treatment can continue in this fashion or it can become deeper and more specific. Deep tissue massage involves sustained direct pressure on specific sites of spasm called trigger points, deep friction of tendons and slow, deep stretching of the fascia, all designed to return tight and injured muscles to their normal resting length. The result is a reduced pain and an increase in ease and range of motion, not to mention: improved sleep, improved athletic performance, less risk of injury during exertion, increased body awareness and an increased sense of well-being. Treatments are in 30, 60 and 90 minute increments. Massage has a cumulative affect. For acute and chronic conditions best results are obtained with treatments scheduled 1-2 times per week for the first 2-4 weeks then less frequently as your condition improves. Once a month or even seasonal adjustments are adequate for maintenance and simple enjoyment.
The physiological affects of massage are difficult to separate from the psychological affects. Massage has a sedative affect on the nervous system. As you relax homeostatic mechanisms are enhanced: blood pressure drops, respiration slows and deepens and there is an increase in digestive juices, bathing your tissues and organs in vital substances. Anxiety and stress on the other hand increase the production of adrenal corticosteroids which interfere with healing, compromise the immune system, encourage cardiovascular disease and increase muscular tension. Massage interrupts this negative spiral. A respite from stress allows our bodies to function optimally. Massage sets up a positive spiral of increased well-being and increased awareness of the body's subtle signals enabling us to respond to stress long before it's destructive effects take hold. Massage has been around since the birth of humankind. Placing a hand where it hurts is a most natural thing. Massage has undergone much evolution and specialization over the centuries, but it's effectiveness is still rooted in the basic healing power of human touch. Call MassageCraft & Acupuncture Clinic today at 207 286 8416 or 207 934 0849 to schedule an appointment. |
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Deep Tissue Massage is on a continuum with Swedish Massage. Every deep tissue massage begins with Swedish techniques such as effleurage and petrissage. These long and more superficial strokes warm-up the soft tissue and elicit a relaxation response.