Talking About Deep Tissue Massage with Clients

Understanding what clients need versus what they may ask requires active listening. Clients may call into your massage practice requesting a type of massage but after the intake session, you know what they need is not what they had in mind. Here is where client education comes in. You want clients to buy in to your recommendations and that requires them to understand the source of their problem and what massage modality best fits the bill.

 

Presenting facts in terms clients can understand and backing up your suggestion with proof points, including research studies when available, is extremely important. When you have clients buy-in, you lay the groundwork for a meaningful engagement that leads to repeat business.

 

When deep tissue massage is ‘on the table’

 

For clients with chronic tension and pain due to a specific problem or injury, deep tissue massage therapy may be in order.  Deep tissue massage often is considered the next step up from the relaxing strokes and kneading of Swedish massage, the more common modality providing stress relief and relaxation.

 

Client education about what is a deep tissue massage begins by explaining why a gentle massage will not be sufficient to relieve strong tension. Unlike traditional massage which focuses on surface-level tension, deep tissue massage applies sustained pressure in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tension, knots, and areas of discomfort. The slow deliberate strokes associated with deep tissue massage aim to alleviate pain whether it stems from a strain from overuse, a sports injury, poor posture, or muscle stiffness from attending day-to-day chores and activities.

 

Make clients aware that with deep tissue massage unlike Swedish or classical massage, they should not expect to feel a sense of relaxation “in the moment.” During the session, you will be working through the tension that has been building up over time resulting in bands of rigid tissue or adhesions, which can restrict blood flow and cause pain, limit movement, and increase inflammation. To break down adhesions, your strokes will be slower, and you will be applying direct pressure to muscles to relieve pain, stiffness, and tension.

 

Encourage clients to speak up during the deep tissue massage if they are uncomfortable since you can adjust the pressure. Advise them to try to relax and breathe. Breathing sends more oxygen to pain spots.

 

Also explain to clients that they may feel some soreness for a few days after the deep tissue massage, which they can alleviate with a heating pad or cold pack.

 

Research looks at deep tissue massage benefits

 

You may want to share research findings with clients. Here are some:

 

Sports are a key area where deep tissue massage is used for improving performance and recovery on deep muscle layers. A study[1] published in June of this year investigated the effect of deep tissue massage on muscle recovery and performance across different sports, teams, strength, endurance, and individual sports. The study involved a randomized controlled trial with 150 athletes aged 18–45 years receiving bi-weekly 40-minute deep tissue massage for 8 weeks.

 

The greatest improvement in performance was evident in team and strength athletes compared to individual and endurance athletes. Bi-weekly massage sessions showed better recovery outcomes. Longer massage sessions showed increased flexibility.

 

 

Another 2022 study[2]  on deep tissue massage examined the effect of deep tissue massage on the myofascial trigger point number, neck range of motion pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with Myofascial pain syndrome. The study involved patients between the ages of 20-57 randomly divided into control and study groups. The study group received 12 deep tissue massages in addition to Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS), hot pack, and ultrasound. The control group received TENS, hot pack, and ultrasound applications.

 

The study found that the deep tissue group had statistically more improvement than the control group on the visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), and Short Form 36 for quality of life and severity of neck pain. There also was significant improvement among study group participants for extension, lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation in the neck range of motion. The study concluded that deep tissue massage is effective on neck range of motion, pain, disability and quality of life.

 

And a 2014 study on deep tissue massage benefits that involved 59 participants found that it helped to reduce pain in people with chronic lower back pain.[3]

 

Other deep tissue massage benefits

 

Among other deep tissue massage benefits besides relieving pain and muscle stiffness, people have reported it helps with:[4]

 

·         Sports injuries (as noted in research)

·         Fibromyalgia

·         Planta fasciitis

·         High blood pressure

·         Sciatica

·         Tennis elbow

 

 

Risks of deep tissue massage

 

You will want to advise clients that despite its benefits; deep tissue massage is not for everyone. There are risks if you have the following conditions and so clients will want to talk to their doctor before having a deep tissue massage:[5]

 

·         Heart conditions

• Open wounds, fractures, or you are easy to bruise
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes 
• History of seizures 

• Have cancer or undergoing cancer treatment

 

Deep tissue massage also is not advisable during a pregnancy.

 

Clients seeking relief from chronic pain, an injury or who have muscle tension from daily activities may be good candidates for deep tissue massage. Collaborate with them so they understand what to expect and the benefits. Their buy-in will ensure a more positive outcome for both of you.