Deep Connective Tissue Massage
Therapeutic Massage Provides Chronic Pain Relief

Deep connective tissue massage is a therapeutic form of massage used to get rid of aches and pains, correct muscle dysfunction, and relieve muscle soreness. The aim of this form of massage is to loosen fascia. Fascia is a connective tissue that envelops all of the muscles and organs in your body. When fascia is bound up it can restrict circulation to muscles and cause pain.

Fascia can be negatively influenced by injury, trauma, emotions and a variety of stress factors. The fasica tightens causing pain, stiffness, and decreased flexibility.

This massage can be used to treat:

• fibromyalgia
• sports injuries
• chronic pain
• muscle spasms

Deep friction strokes are used to break up adhesions in the tissue. All of the strokes used for this kind of massage are deep and slow. The massage is usually focused on the goal of releasing tension and pain in a specific region. No oil or lotion is used. Unlike Swedish massage where the therapists hands glide over the skin, during this massage the therapist needs to get traction in order to stretch and pull the fascia. The therapist uses hands, fists, forearms and elbows to manipulate deep underlying layers of tissue.

Having the connective tissue released in this manner lengthens it restoring it to its original form. It also helps strengthen the fascia so you're not as vulnerable to injury in the future. This therapy is used by athletes and dancers but is appropriate for anyone seeking chronic pain relief.

This massage may be uncomfortable at times, but you shouldn't experience pain during a session. If you do experience pain, tell your therapist so the pressure can be adjusted. You will be asked to move around doing this massage. You'll have to sit up and lay down during the session.

Related Articles

What is Fascia?--Fascia was mentioned a lot in this article. If you still aren't sure what fascia is check out this article to have it explained in greater detail.