Techniques of Massage - from Superficial to Deep

Techniques of Massage - from Superficial to Deep is another very important aspect of how I have learned to approach massage.

Some great massage styles are based on the view that the body consists of layers. These styles claim that a massage can also only be successful if you deal with the layers in its order from superficial to deep.

I totally agree with this assessment.

But there is additional things that support this idea:

1. It is way less stressful on the client's body to work in layers, as you prepare each layer, and only move deeper, if a layer is ready to be passed. Too much pressure on an unprepared or insufficiently prepared tissue can lead to damage and injury - and because the first principle of healing is "to do no harm", this approach is somewhat counterproductive - to say the least.

How do you feel when a tissue is ready?

It is simple and I laid it out on my massage video blog in the video "Real Deep Tissue Massage". A layer will show you if its ready if it let's you go deeper without major restriction or resistance.

Too many people like to just jam on a muscle, which I would call muscle mashing but not massage therapy.


Techniques of massage should always use the least amount of necessary strength

2. In the above mentioned video I also put forward that working in layers is much less taxing on the massage therapist (yeah I know I'm thinking in a selfish way - but I want to do my work for a long time - so I also have to take care of my own body)

If you are working on a layer that is ready or pass a layer that is sufficiently prepared, you will need less effort on your part.

Techniques of massage will only be really effective if they are welcomed by the body. If they are not the body will brace and you will have to use more pressure than appropriate for the situation.

That's why relaxing of the client is a very important part of massage. Less overall muscle tension will give you easier access.

Check out the Real Deep Tissue Techniques of massage