Deep Tissue & The Nervous System
For deep tissue junkies it feels amazing having an elbow pin them down like a wrestler, BUT… what if it’s someone who’s not used to that level of deep tissue? It can feel intense. The client will start to guard and their muscles will resist against the pressure. It's too much for them and borderline painful. This results in a stand off between client and practitioner.
The immediate solution is to decrease pressure to a tolerable level so that the client can begin to relax into what's called the 'parasympathetic nervous system'. (Rest and digest).
This refers to a particular subdivision in the nervous system called the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
It is divided into 2 branches:
-Sympathetic (fight or flight)
-Parasympathetic (rest and digest)
(There are many other functions the ANS is responsible for, but for today we're keeping it simple.)
The last thing a client wants to be is thrust into that sympathetic response.
It's important for practitioners to pay attention to these non verbal ques and adapt.
There may be a few practitioners that apply pressure so deep despite that the clients' guarding and cries to stop, won't back off. They'll encourage the client to breathe through it since it's the only way to 'solve' the issue.
WRONG.
The client is likely to feel worse afterwards. Deeper isn't always better. This is an ego driven and careless mindset that is sure to send clients running for the hills. Every body is different and will respond differently.
Let's say I massage 2 people: client 1 and client 2.
On the pain scale, what feels like a 4 out of 10 for client 1, might feel like a 9 out of 10 for client 2. There's no real way to compare pain and discomfort because it's totally subjective. Comparing the difference in pain between 2 people is utterly impossible.
A massage should NEVER be painful. While working on tender areas can cause mild discomfort, that’s ok, but it should never cross into the painful realm.
Soreness is also normal especially after deeper work. The tissue being manipulated can cause micro tears and feel similar to the soreness after a hard workout. That’s why hydration, gentle movement, and even an epsom salt bath can help reduce that soreness.
Sometimes keeping the massage gentle and more superficial can be more effective, especially if a client suffers from tension headaches or migraines. Soft, soothing strokes can help bring about that parasympathetic response which can decrease those symptoms.
Performing deep tissue without causing a sympathetic response doesn't have to be complicated. There's no need to bring singing bowls, rare herbs, or chants from an ancient text... unless you feel that'll help.
Here's a brief summary of how I would do deep work with a new client.
First: Communication. Informing the client of what to expect and reminding them that this is 'their session' gives them peace of mind and autonomy. They call the shots, unless the practitioner is obligated to caution them about something.
Second: Once they're on the table, we start with something we often take for granted- breathe. Deep breathes help calm and regulate the nervous system into the parasympathetic. The body begins to relax. When your body is relaxed, the muscles are loose and it's more willing to receive the work.
Third: I then start to work the superficial layers. Once I feel that tissue soften, I will lean further into those deeper layers. This is a mindful approach. I'm not aggressively mashing the tissue, I'm leaning slowly into it. With each breath I can sink in deeper and deeper while checking in with my client. When I feel a release I slowly back out and move on. When a client is fully in the parasympathetic, they might not realize how deep the massage is. Their nervous system has deemed the touch as 'safe' resulting in complete surrender.
Most times I would add some stretching or active movement to make the session more dynamic.
With the client fully in the parasympathetic, they might not realize how deep the massage actually is. Their nervous system has deemed the touch as 'safe' resulting in complete surrender.
Over time, the client's body will grow more accustomed to the touch. It will strengthen the relationship between client and practitioner further developing that trust.
To bring it all together:
Deep work can be done by working with the nervous system instead of commanding it with our ego.
The nervous system decides when the muscles relax. Breathing is a good place to start.
Communication is key!
What the mind wants compared to what the body responds to, are often two different things. Listen to your body.
Bodywork in general- not just massage, will reconnect clients within themselves, creating an opportunity to experience profound effects mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually.
We can all benefit from this kind of work, so treat yourself.
Treat your body. Book a session