What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

A deep tissue massage is a specialized type of massage therapy that focuses on realignment and releasing chronic muscle tension in the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue (fascia). Unlike a more gentle, relaxation-focused Swedish massage, deep tissue massage uses slow, forceful strokes and sustained, firm pressure to reach underlying areas of tension.

Key Characteristics and Purpose:

  • Deep Pressure: The core characteristic is the use of firm, sustained pressure, often applied with the therapist's fingers, knuckles, elbows, or forearms, to access muscles and fascia far below the surface.

    • We offer this characteristic in: Gentle, Medium and Crazy pressure levels tailored for each individual. 

  • Targeted Treatment: It usually focuses on specific problem areas, rather than being a full-body relaxation massage.

  • Breaking Up Adhesions: A primary goal is to physically break down adhesions (commonly called "knots"), which are bands of painful, rigid tissue that form in muscles, tendons, and ligaments due to chronic tension or injury. Breaking these down helps restore normal movement and relieve pain.

  • Conditions Addressed: Deep tissue massage is often used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, stiffness in the neck and lower back, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (like whiplash or sports injuries), and postural issues.

What to Expect?

  • Communication is Key: You should always communicate with your massage therapist about your comfort level, as the pressure can be intense.

  • Discomfort/Soreness: While it shouldn't be actively painful, you may experience some discomfort during the massage as the therapist works to release deep knots. It is also common to feel some soreness or tenderness for a day or two afterward, similar to how you might feel after an intense workout.

  • Post-Massage Care: Staying hydrated is often recommended to help your body recover.

What is Arnica?

An "Arnica massage" is a type of therapeutic massage where the therapist uses an Arnica-infused product instead of a standard lotion or oil. It is a specialized approach designed to enhance the massage's benefits for muscle recovery, pain management, and localized soreness.

How Arnica is Used in Massage?

The arnica is typically present in the massage medium as an infused oil, gel, cream, or balm which blends arnica extract with a carrier oil (like jojoba, grapeseed, or sunflower). This allows the natural compounds in the arnica to be absorbed topically during the hands-on work.

The application is usually focused on:

  • Targeted Areas: The therapist will concentrate the arnica product on specific muscle groups or joints experiencing stiffness, chronic pain, or soreness from exercise.

  • Post-Session Relief: It is often used after intensive techniques like Deep Tissue or Trigger Point Therapy to help soothe the treated area and reduce the likelihood of post-massage tenderness or minor bruising.

  • Sports Recovery: It's a favorite in sports massage to help manage Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and speed up the recovery of strained muscles.