Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
Adhesiveness Reducing fascial restrictions and adhesions in soft tissue so that functionally separate structures don't stick together is often a primary goal of deep-tissue massage. As people age, or because of habitual movement patterns, injury, lack of movement, poor postural habits, or soft-tissue stress, collagen fibers start to pack more tightly together, increasing hydrogen bonding between the fibers. This thickens and binds the tissue, causing decreased range of motion, postural imbalances, structural tension, and increased possibility for injury. In fact, two adjacent muscles or other structures that are designed to be functionally separate may become stuck to one another so that they don't slide freely. Many bodywork forms, including deep-tissue massage, help to break or prevent unnecessary hydrogen bonding to promote greater freedom in the myofascial network, which is always a good thing. Tensegrity Tensegrity is a term coined by architect Richard Buckminster Fuller, and applied to the human body by Thomas Myers in his book Anatomy Trains. Fuller's architecture was based on a geometrical model where a structure maintains its integrity because of a balance of continuous tensile forces through the building.4 (Tensile forces refer to stretching forces, or tension, pulling at both ends of a structure.) In this model, muscles, tendons, and fascia provide the continuous tensile forces that maintain the upright structure of the skeleton against the forces of gravity and allow changes in tension to create movement. Ida Rolf was the first to help us understand that when myofascial tension is balanced, the body is best able to disperse and effectively utilize the forces of gravity. If one set of muscles exerts tension in one direction, the opposing muscles must exert tension in the opposite direction or the structure may begin to bow and demonstrate postural misalignment. The two sets of tensile forces must be balanced for optimal function. Uneven tension places the entire structure under pressure and weakens it. Our primary goal then is to apply deep-tissue massage effectively so that the uneven pulls on the skeleton are corrected, and the body experiences greater ease of movement and less structural stress through muscular balance. Guiding Principles Now that we've thought deeply about deep-tissue massage, let's discuss some general application principles: If Pain, No Gain. It is a common misconception that deep-tissue massage is painful to receive and that the pain must be endured so that the tissue can be forcefully elongated. When people experience pain, they contract their muscles to protect themselves. Elongation of tissue cannot be achieved if the client is bracing against the massage stroke. Safety First. The client's overall condition and the medications she is taking may contraindicate deep-tissue methods. Review the client's health history carefully and use good critical thinking skills to determine if the client can benefit from deep-tissue massage. Integrate Techniques. Before dropping into the deeper layers of the myofascia with deep-tissue methods, warm the tissue using lighter techniques and Swedish massage so that it is mobile and pliable. A session should never be composed entirely of deep work, as this could overwhelm the client's system. Clients who are overworked may feel nausea during or directly after the session, may experience headache during or directly after the session, and are likely to be sore and exhausted the next day. By integrating a number of different techniques, you ensure that the client's system can respond positively to the deep-tissue methods you use. Be Present and Communicate Often. During the application of deep work you must remain present and responsive. You want to think about visualizing the tissue under your hands in order to attune to the tissue and recognize when it is inviting you deeper or when it is asking for more time. Slow Down and Wait for Tissue Release. Deep-tissue massage is applied slowly with keen attention to the tissue and the way in which it is changing. Drop into the tissue and intend for the tissue to soften and 104 massage & bodywork january/february 2013