Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It can also be used to help with chronic aches and pains, muscle damage from injury, and contracted areas like a stiff neck or back. Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. The massage movements have similarities with Swedish Massage; however Deep Tissue Massage involves slower strokes with deeper, more intense pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and underlying connective tissue.
The History behind Deep Tissue Massage
While refined and developed over time, evidence suggests that massage was first introduced and practiced in Ancient Egyptian times. Decorations on the tomb of Ptahhotep, a Vizer during the reign of Djedkare, show him receiving what appears to be a massage. These ancient practices, while not identical to modern deep tissue massage, laid the foundation for later developments. More recent history tells us these techniques became more popular in Canada during the mid-19th century, where physicians of the time used this approach to treat various medical conditions such as whiplash.
