What is deep tissue massage?
As a deep tissue massage therapist in Hackney, one of the most common questions I get is ‘what does “deep tissue” actually mean?’
Confusingly, different therapists will mean different things. So it might be easier to define deep tissue massages by what they aren’t. Its a common misconception that deep tissue is about using heavy pressure to “work out” “knots” that are causing pain, and that this intense force realigns the source of the pain in some way. This is why often get clients seeing me for the first time who say, “apply as much pressure as you can, I can take the pain!“
Unfortunately, this isn’t a good deep tissue massage. It might technically be digging in deep into the muscles. But the body as a whole is unlikely to be able to receive heavy, painful treatment. So the higher pressure probably isn’t having a stronger effect. Its more likely to be numbing, or cause of a different kind of pain. For some clients, this can feel like relief in the short term. In the long term, its the same principle as pressing on a bruise.
Deep tissue massage is about slow, careful work that melts tissues at a deeper level to a traditional Sports or Swedish massage. In my massage practice, that involves using Fascial Release techniques that we might not think of as “deep”. These gently and slowly elongate and broaden the connective tissue of the muscle, which has lenghtening and relaxing effects on associated muscles, tendons, ligaments, and patterns of strain. These techniques are “deeper” in the sense that they go far beyond a patch of sore muscle.
Its once I’ve contacted the body in this way that deep tissue can also involve techniques such as: progressively sinking into deeper parts of the muscle with heavier pressure ; accessing muscles that lie deeper in the body; and using breathing and trigger point techniques to be deeply present with emotional and physical restrictions in the body. This is perhaps what clients consider to be more “traditional” deep tissue massage – but crucially, is only possible within the context of a gentle, thoughtful approach.
For example in this video on Instagram, my fist’s firm pressure melts the tissue, allowing me to work deeper with a little elbow later. My client gets broad superficial pressure and targeted deep pressure at the same time. The elbow feels more like what we think of as deep tissue massage, but both techniques are working together to progressively and powerfully free the tissues. At the same time, these techniques are progressive and gentle, and won’t make my client tense up on the table, or feel pain afterwards.
This is real deep tissue massage – addressing your pain, without any pain.
I would love to arrange our massage, so we can shift the tension you’ve been feeling. And I have a special offer at the moment, just for you! My appointments are limited, so make sure you don’t miss out. I look forward to hearing from you. – Cat
- Al
Incredibly gentle yet strong massage! Lovely, soothing environment. Cat has a very sensitive approach & the booking process is extremely straight forward. I couldn't recommend my experience enough! It transformed my understanding of 'pain' that I typically associate with massage that has physical as well as mental health benefits. I... read more
- Roxanne
I've had several appointments with Cat now and I always leave feeling relaxed, looked after and very glad I booked. Cat is an excellent massage therapist, I highly recommend booking
- Hikmah
Truly amazing. Super clear communication, Cat makes you feel at ease from booking the appointment. They allow you to take your time and had a pre/post massage discussion. Worked with breath (as mentioned in our coversation) and truly made me feel relaxed and cared for which carried me throughout the... read more
- Giott
I had a wonderful massage experience with Massage Cat Therapy. They have a lot of knowledge about body anatomy and at the same time a lot of passion about it through which they made me understand what is going on in my body and what they were doing to relieve... read more
- Nat
I had a session of myofascial release with massage cat and it’s truly different from anything I’ve had before. Their approach is so gentle and I really felt listened to both in the consultations and on the table in their hands. The effect was very powerful and I felt a... read more
- Ray
SUCH a gorgeous massage with someone who has a deep knowledge of and respect for the body, and knows how to create a really holding and comfortable space. I love how Massage Cat Therapies can treat bodies and sensations beyond 'good' and 'bad'. The experience was so tailored to what... read more
- Angelica
If you’re considering booking, just do it. I’ve had 3 massages with MCT and each one was somehow better than the last. I always feel comfortable and in professional hands. Thank you for creating such an inclusive environment where my needs feel listened to and taken care of. The stiffness... read more
- Marcus
As a deaf man who relies on lipreading as well as being able to converse through writing things down, I appreciated not only having an amazing massage but also the fact that they took the time and patience to understand my communication needs and to communicate well with me throughout the session, which is... read more
- natalie
Have been wanting to book in for a treatment for a while after I came across Massage Cat on Instagram, and finally managed to find a slot! It was everything I was hoping it would be, Cat had a gentle and inviting energy, and we talked through what I wanted... read more
- Oluwatosin
Even before I had my massage, I was anticipating good things based on Cat's clear communication, which continued throughout the session. I had an incredible massage - firm without being painful, relaxing and effective. Cat checked in, listened and responded to any request for change (there was only one - to... read more
