To reach that deeper layer of muscle tissue, a trained massage therapist slowly presses into the surface layers until she reaches some resistance. Then, patiently, she waits for that resistance to soften before carefully pressing in a bit more. If done properly, there will be no pain, because the massage therapist is working with the client's muscles rather than forcing her will on them. [An exception: There can be some pain if there are a lot of adhesions and scar tissue that needs to be broken up. This can cause pain as can muscles that have been contracted for a long period finally receiving proper blood flow. Neither of these should last more than a day or two, and adding heat will improve blood flow to the tissues aiding in a faster healing.]
When a massage therapist forces her will on any muscle, the muscle fights back, it tightens up and actually pushes against the massage therapist. I have had what I call wrestling matches with people's muscles. I push, they push, and we are both exhausted but no one is better off than they were before the session. That is why I refer to my current Deep Tissue work as 'gentle,' because I no longer wrestle or try to force a muscle into submission. There is a point where the muscle refuses to relax any further, and that is as far as I go. When the muscle is ready to let go, it will.
I have touched thousands of bodies that instantly tensed up when I applied the smallest amount of pressure. Many people think they need more pressure than what their bodies actual require. Massage therapy is designed to loosen and relax muscles, not put them into a state of combative tension. If a person's muscles are contracting and fighting against the pressure I apply, no blood can flow into the muscles bringing oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue health. The blood also carries out toxic materials, wastes, so if circulation stops the muscles become ill.
Some people tell me they want "to feel the massage" and that too light a pressure feels like lotion being spread on the body. I believe these people, like many in today's society, are overstimulated. They have lost touch with their senses, their ability to feel very subtle influences. TV commercials for chewing gum boast tidal waves of flavor crashing into us as if we cannot taste anything if it is not so extreme or life threatening.
If you think you might be one of these people and want to reconnect with your subtle awareness, try this exercise:
Sit in a comfortable chair, one that fully supports your body. Close your eyes. Gently become aware of your breath--don't force it. Now, become aware of your heart beating in your chest. Spend a few minutes just breathing and feeling and listening to your heart beat. Then, follow the pulse. Where else can you sense it in your body? In your arms? Neck? Head? Torso? Legs? Feet? Enjoy the power and magnificence of your heart and how it works all day and night to keep you alive. Place your hands over your heart on your chest and say "Thank you." Slowly open your eyes and gently stand when you are ready.
You can also do this exercise by tuning into your lungs and follow the breath throughout your body.
After doing one or both of these exercises, do you notice how relaxed you feel? Would you say that you are deeply relaxed even though no one or thing forced a great deal of pressure into an area of your body?
Learn more about me at http://sherritrummcmt.massagetherapy.com
