Demystifying Relaxation and Deep Tissue Massage: Which Should You Schedule?
“Which type of bodywork should I schedule: relaxation or deep tissue (myofascial release)?”
This has to be my most frequently-asked question, and I’m sure many Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) will agree. Here are some guidelines to help you decide which type of bodywork you need most.
(Keep in mind that the following are how I define each session type. Each therapist might describe them a little differently.)
RELAXATION
Relaxation massage is defined as a full-body basic Swedish massage. The goal is stress relief and relaxation.
A relaxation session will have flow and continuity, be deeply relaxing to inhibit your fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system, and allow the rest-and-digest parasympathetic nervous system to take over.
We might focus on 1-2 areas of concern during a relaxation massage, but not to the therapeutic extent of myofascial release (deep tissue) bodywork.
As far as the frequency of relaxation sessions, I leave that largely up to you. Stress levels and emotional-physical tension vary widely depending on your career, schoolwork, home-life, coping abilities, and options. The longer we work together, the better idea I will have of when tension seems to affect you most—and we can adjust accordingly.
Reasons to schedule relaxation bodywork include:
Relieving the effects of touch deprivation
Supporting your emotional and mental wellbeing
Relieving the physical effects of stress, such as muscular tension, headaches, jaw pain, back pain, etc
Preparing for or unwinding from the holidays or other stressful situations
DEEP TISSUE
Now, deep tissue or myofascial release sessions are more of a “seek-and-destroy” nature. We can sometimes do a full-body flow, but I am meticulous when dealing with issues, so we usually focus on your goal areas.
Through deep tissue sessions, we’ll work on specific, measurable goals utilizing my full repertoire of knowledge, techniques, and modalities, including:
Stretching and myofascial release
And a lot of communication!
Communication is the key to success with these sessions.
After the work in our first session, I’ll propose a plan going forward. We’ll gradually increase the time between appointments until we find your maintenance frequency.
Some people come every week or two forever, while some people see me every eight weeks or just a few times a year to maintain their progress. My goal is always to get you to a point of maintenance, which can look different for each person.
Common goals for deep tissue bodywork include:
Increasing your range of motion
Decreasing the effects of scar tissue
Working without pain
Relieving migraines
Being able to play with and take care of children or grandchildren without pain
Improving posture
Relieving acute or chronic pain
Relaxation and deep tissue sessions are different, but they are equally beneficial in their own ways. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, contact me for an appointment and we’ll figure it out together!
