Deep Tissue Massage
Price £38 - £48
Deep tissue massage differs from the traditional Swedish massage by manipulating the tissues in different ways to alleviate any stagnant tension or pain. It is often confused with a more intense form of massage but, the pressure is always tailored to the needs of the individual. At Cariad we will not only look at the body out of a physical aspect but also emotional.
The focus of a deep tissue massage is to align the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. The application of the massage takes a slower and more focused approach than that of a classic massage treatment with pressure applied more firmly to problem areas. Nicola may use her forearms, elbows, fingertips and knuckles as well as her hands on tight places either following or going across the fibres of the muscles. As a result of this technique, strains can be lengthened, relaxed and released and poor memory patterns within the muscles can be removed. This treatment can promote faster healing because of increased blood flow and reduced inflammation.
This technique works deeply in our muscles and therefore there can be some discomfort during the treatment due to the targeting of painful or tighter areas of the body. Breathing techniques can help with this and Nicola, your therapist can guide you on these. Sometimes, the technique can be uncomfortable beyond your range and so it is important that you communicate this with Nicola so the technique can be adapted for your benefit. There’s benefit in having multiple treatments and giving your body a chance to adjust to the treatment.
Usually, a deep tissue massage is recommended where a person is looking to treat a specific problem area. It is especially beneficial as a treatment for chronic aches and pains including stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
It is important to acknowledge that a deep tissue massage is not a quick fix. It is often thought that the more pressure or pain experienced in the treatment the better one will feel as a result and the knots and tension will disappear immediately. Knots and tension in our body’s can have built up over a lifetime of general use and with injury. Undoing this takes time and should be combined with exercise techniques that promote good posture, stretching and relaxation. It is not unusual to experience some stiffness or tenderness after a deep tissue massage, but this shouldn’t last more than a day or two. Nicola will provide your with in depth aftercare to help minimise this.
The benefits of deep tissue massage are not just muscle and pain-related, a deep tissue massage treatment can lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormone levels as well. Massage is good for the mind as well as the body boosting mood and helping you relax.
A full and comprehensive consultation will be completed prior to course of treatments and your session can be adapted throughout to suit your needs and intentions.