What is Therapeutic Orthopedic Deep Tissue Massage (T.O.M.)?
Therapeutic Orthopedic Deep Tissue Massage (T.O.M.) is an advanced style of bodywork that involves functional assessment tests that determine most orthopedic conditions and outline a treatment plan using multiple modalities, combining massage strokes, Shiatsu, joints & soft tissue mobilization and manual resistive techniques. This type of therapeutic massage can release chronic tension and restore balance and wellness. Some of the more common issues that treated with T.O.M. are chronic low back, neck, and shoulder pain, nerve entrapments, repetitive strain injuries, ligament sprains, and acute injuries resulting from sports or auto accidents. While T.O.M. addresses specific issues and sessions typically focus on specific problem areas, many clients enjoy this type of massage for relaxation and health maintenance.
What is Deep Tissue Massage and what to expect?
Deep tissue massage is a massage that is designed to get into the connective tissue of the body, rather than just the surface muscles. As a massage therapist when I perform deep tissue I use a variety of techniques to deeply penetrate the muscles and fascia, loosening them and releasing tension. Most clients have a more intense experience with a deep tissue massage, but also feel that it is more beneficial because it addresses deep-seated muscle pains. Deep tissue is beneficial when undertaken on a regular basis, so that I can work together with the client to correct long term problems, relax the body, and prevent injury.
To get a truly good deep tissue massage you need to find someone who specializes in deep tissue, like Nicola. Most spas have several massage therapists who can offer a basic deep tissue massage integrating a number of techniques and styles customized for your body for maximum impact. Experiment by trying several deep tissue massage therapists to find the one that is the right fit for you and your body.
One of the defining differences between deep tissue and regular massage is the use of tools. A standard massage usually only involves the hands and lower arms of the therapist. During a deep tissue, however, I use elbows and fingers for deep, penetrating work in the muscle. A deep tissue massage also tends to be very slow, and I will use long, flowing strokes to ease in and out of the muscle. Going in too quickly can cause the muscle to tense up, which is not the desired reaction. I also maintain firm pressure at trouble spots for several minutes to achieve muscle release before moving on to the next area of the body.
When you go to get a deep tissue massage, they should talk with the therapist about any issues you might have and like to see addressed during your massage. I am happy to concentrate on a single body part for an entire massage to achieve lasting results and in fact, half of my clients want just that! It is also important to communicate with me about pain; The massage may be intense, but if a client starts to feel pain, he or she should communicate that immediately. I work on a scale of 1 – 10, where 7 is on the edge and 10 is very painful. A lot of my clients take the deep tissue pain or even like the pain in order to get the quickest results for their body type. At the end of the session, lots of water should be consumed to help the body express the toxins released during the massage. You will probably be sore for a few days after the intense deep tissue treatment but that’s normal. Remember that ice is your friend.
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
What is Myoskeletal Therapy?
Myoskeletal Therapy is a system of multi-modality manual therapy to mobilize joints through muscle manipulation, release tight muscles and stimulate weak inhibited muscles to maintain or re-gain the normal mobility of your body and correct postural imbalances.
First, the therapist consults with the client to get an understanding of their symptoms and concerns, then the client’s presenting posture is observed. It is understood that muscles move bones and that distortions in posture are a result of muscle and connective tissue imbalance. When posture is distorted, joints deteriorate prematurely, nerves become compressed and circulation is impaired. Tissues are deprived of vital nutrients. Chronic pain often results.
The therapist develops an individual strategy to restore the client’s healthy postural and reduce pain. Overly tightened tissues are relaxed through the use of specifically applied manual therapy.
What symptoms can Myoskeletal Therapy help?
Myoskeletal Therapy is effective for many soft tissue pain problems including back and neck pain, headaches including migraines, hip and shoulder pain, numbness, muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, limited range of motion, tingling in the arms or legs, etc. It is also quite effective at improving dysfunctional posture patterns that, If uncorrected, can cause eventual degeneration of the joints.
What is Barefoot Deep Tissue?
I offer barefoot deep tissue massage techniques. Ancient barefoot massage has been around in different cultures (Thailand, Japan, and Australia) for hundreds of years, an organic form of touch barefoot is rich in history and tradition, and now is available in Santa Barbara. Barefoot is not something you typically see at local spas or massage places. I’ve used Barefoot Massage on athletes to the elderly and my clients are loving the long-lasting effects of prolonged ischemic (Restriction of blood due to factors in the blood vessels with damage to the tissue) pressure.
What is Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
A neuromuscular massage is a form of soft tissue manual therapy. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating specific areas of skeletal muscle. Often these areas of muscle are myofascial trigger points. NMT is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column, and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance.
The application of NMT is dependent on several key factors:
- The location of myofascial trigger points
- Force has to be applied perpendicular to the skin surface if the muscle is to be stimulated.[1] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage focuses on muscles relevant to the event. For athletes who train continuously, the goal is to enhance endurance, lessen the chance of injury and shorten the time needed to recover from an event.Sports Massage may utilize a variety of techniques such as classical Swedish Massage, trigger point therapy, and hydrotherapy. Prior to an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used with stretching in order to help athletes to loosen, warm, and prepare their muscles so that their performance and endurance might be enhanced. Following an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used to relieve pain, prevent stiffness, and return the muscles back to their normal state. Sports Massage may also be used for injury rehabilitation.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.
Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. These statements are not expressions of legal opinion relative to the scope of practice, medical diagnosis, or medical advice, nor do they represent an endorsement of any product, company, or specific massage therapy technique, modality, or approach. All trademarks, registered trademarks, brand names, registered brand names, logos, and company logos referenced in this post are the property of their owners.