At Jennifer Brand we define Deep Tissue massage as: The skilled and safe application of pressure to release tension, increase range of motion, and relieve pain. This service should feel pleasurable, if at any point the pressure becomes painful notify your therapist immediately. Jennifer Brand’s Deep Tissue massage includes a variety of techniques including Myofascial Release, firm pressure, electronic percussive and vibrating equipment, and various muscle salves throughout your session to help achieve your desired results.
What is the underlying philosophy of our Deep Tissue Massage? It is the application of pressure with the intent of releasing tension in deeper muscles structures. This is accomplished through the slow, methodical and deliberate application of pressure and techniques to encourage greater range of motion and reduce discomfort. Though the techniques are used on soft tissues the actual goal is to encourage the central nervous system to transform how it experiences touch and movement. The foundation of all Deep Tissue massages is rooted within the biopsychosocial model of pain management introduced by Dr. George Engel in 1977.
What is Deep Tissue Massage to the Industry?
In the massage industry Deep Tissue massage has three widely accepted definitions throughout our community:
- It is a philosophy
- It is an application of pressure
- It is the use of specific body mechanics to protect the therapist’s body
At Jennifer Brand we combine the three. Why? The public is not a part of our professional debate. As licensed professionals it is our responsibility to protect the public by providing safe, rewarding, and ethical services. I believe a part of our job is to properly represent the services we offer and do our best to ensure the public possesses the ability to advocate for themselves in the treatment room. When we all define Deep Tissue a different way it opens the public up to injury, unexpected pressure levels, and an unrewarding experience.
When the public hears the term Deep Tissue, they typically associate it with firm pressure. When someone schedules a service, they have the reasonable expectation of receiving the service its name most accurately represents. When a therapist uses gentle massage techniques it confuses the client and often leads to a frustratingly disappointing experience. In this circumstance it does not matter if the therapist was operating with the Deep Tissue massage philosophy, if the pressure expectations were not met the client did not receive the service they paid for. There are three exceptions to this.
- If the therapist believes the level of pressure requested could injure the client – As licensed professionals, it is our responsibility to protect the public. We must always remain present, aware, and focused on the client’s safety and wellbeing. The pressure used in a massage should never be injurious.
- If the therapist believes the level of pressure requested could injure the therapist – If a client has requested more pressure than you are safely able to provide you need to protect yourself. As massage therapists (and as a human) we only have one body. Do not ruin it for the sake of one person’s pleasure. Massage therapists wash out of our industry at alarming rates, do not risk your career and quality of life for one person. The rule I live by is: “If it hurts once, don’t do it again, because if you do it twice you will do it a thousand times.” If the pressure requested has exceeded your limit notify your client. Explain to them you have reached your maximum safe pressure level and you cannot apply anymore. This is your responsibility to inform them as a professional. Advise the client there may be other therapists capable of meeting their pressure expectations and help them schedule an appointment with them.
- If the client did not schedule a Deep Tissue massage – Sometimes clients will request services, they have not paid for. Many are simply unaware of the various service types within the massage industry and have no intention of taking advantage of you. If you are a Deep Tissue massage therapist you should advise them that the service type may be changed, and an additional service charge may apply (depending on your place of employment). If you are not a Deep Tissue massage therapist you should not feel obligated to comply to their demands, and if they press the issue, you have the right to end the session. Sometimes the client is doing what I call “taking a shot.” This means they are attempting to bend a rule without breaking it. In the poker world taking a shot is when a player creates a situation that is to their advantage without cheating per se but breaks the integrity of the game. In the massage world it is when a client demands more from a therapist than is within the reasonable scope of the service. One example of this behavior is when a client expects a complete full body massage in 30-minutes. Another example is when they arrive late to an appointment then demand their full time. When a client takes a shot against you it can be challenging to say no, but it is your responsibility to do so.
Side Note: One of the major challenges of our industry is poorly codified terms. Our profession has attempted to codify the terms used via the MTBOK, also known as the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge. This was a project undertaken in 2011 but has yet to capture any meaningful steam. For more information about the MTBOK click here.
