Using slow strokes, friction and direct pressure, we can release stubborn tension and chronic pains in the deeper tissue and structures of your muscles using our elbows, thumbs or fingers. Deep tissue massage works deeply into the connective tissue, fascia and muscles and was specifically designed to relieve tension on a deeper level, address postural concerns, evaluate workstation ergonomics and restore the body to optimal balance and alignment.
Treat chronic pain and injury with deep tissue massage
Do you suffer from chronic pain? Deep tissue massage is very useful in treating injury, inflammation and chronic pain. When the muscles become stressed due to overwork, a deep tissue massage is a great way to release and promote long-term healing.
Techniques
At Cranky Knot Wellness Centre, we use a range of specific techniques, including Trigger Point, Acupressure and Frictions to access deeper tissue and relieve stubborn tension.
Trigger Point
A trigger point is a small knot of tightly contracted muscle tissue that is causing pain in other areas of your body. For example, a trigger point in your lower back may be causing a strain in your neck, which may be leading to some other pain seemingly unrelated pain in your head.
This technique is designed to alleviate the source of the pain, using isolated cycles of pressure and release.
Acupressure
This can be interpreted as an alternative method to acupuncture, but without the needles. The acupressure treatment uses the same points on the body as acupuncture and shares some similar philosophies that come from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The technique relies on various rhythms and pressures using the thumbs, fingers and palms and is focused on specific points of the body where we can manipulate the flow of chi (qi) energy in our patient.
Frictions
The frictions technique is performed using the ball of the thumb and essentially rubs the top layer of tissue against the deeper muscle of bone. It is a deep pressure massage which uses small circular movements to penetrate deep tissues, rubbing it back and forth over the underlying muscle. The frictions technique is great for loosening knots in muscles, increasing blood flow and relieving very tired or sore muscles.
Studies prove massage is best for lower back pain
In addition to treating general stress and inflammation, ongoing studies suggest that massage can help in relieving long lasting-pain, especially lower back pain, with over 70% of patients stating that their condition improved within 10 weeks, compared to only 46% of patients who treated their lower back pain with acupuncture.
Massage is also beneficial for cancer patients. A study conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center on more than 1,200 patients indicated that 50% of patients who used massage to relieve back pain and stress felt reduced symptoms of nausea, pain and anxiety.
Registered Massage Therapists Vancouver
Although massage therapy is considered an alternative wellness solution, it has conventional benefits and is increasingly offered along with standard treatment for medical situations and conditions. Massage is very safe when performed by an experienced, licensed professional. As registered massage therapists, we have an understanding of body structure and have been trained to administer massage deep into the tissues of your body. It is possible for an injury to occur if the massage is not performed with the accuracy of an experienced practitioner.