Can We Precisely Define Deep Tissue Massage? With comments by Art Riggs A recent article published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies by authors from Israel attempted to objectively define deep-tissue massage to provide an evidence-based therapy. However, massage therapist and instructor, Art Riggs, commented that gallant as their effort is, the task of defining deep tissue massage is not only impossible, but is unproductive. Deep-tissue massage (DTM), is a term commonly used as a form of “deep” therapeutic massage, but the term was also used loosely implying many different modalities. It is unclear what elements define DTM and makes it unique. Researchers from Department of Physical Therapy in BenGurion University of the Negev, in Israel attempted to clarify this by conducting an evidence-based research on DTM to establish its efficacy and safety. The research paper was published in the April 2018 issue of Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. The definition of Deep Tissue Massage Not surprisingly, the researchers cannot find a commonly accepted definition of deep tissue massage in the literature. Steve Capellini and Michel van Welden in their book “Massage for Dummies” jokingly gave a non-massage definition of Deep Tissue as Kleenex stuck deep between the cushions on your couch. In massage therapy, some referred DTM as “myofascial release” (MFR), “trigger point therapy” and “neuromuscular therapy” while others consider it as the application of Swedish massage strokes using strong pressure. Carole Osborne-Sheets in her book Deep Tissue Sculpting states: “ …. as a generic category, myofascial work includes sculpting, structural imbalance, self-massage … it also includes Rolfing, Chua k'a, Lomi-Lomi, Hellerwork, postural integration, MFR, trigger point therapy …”. The authors of the paper suggested the term DTM is commonly used to describe the intention or aim of the therapist to target a deep tissue by applying a greater pressure or force. To avoid confusion, they suggested differentiat16 Terra Rosa E-mag No. 21
ing the terms “deep massage” and “deep tissue massage”. Deep massage can be used to describe the intention of the therapist to treat deep tissue by using any form of massage.
Meanwhile, deep-tissue massage should be used to describe a specific and independent method of massage therapy, utilizing the specific set of principles and techniques as defined by Art Riggs in his book Deep Tissue Massage: “The understanding of the layers of the body, and the ability to work with tissue in these layers to relax, lengthen, and release holding patterns in the most effective and energy efficient way possible within the client's parameters of comfort”. The authors particularly endorsed Art Riggs’ definition which has the following principles: • Slow strokes. • Diagonal applications (except for treating MTrPs). • Maintaining depth of treatment according to targeted tissue. • Understanding of the differences between deep and forceful applications. • Using body weight to generate the force transmitted through the hands, knuckles or elbows. • When working on a muscle belly parallel and crossfiber strokes should be included. • Include stretching or activation of muscle. • Special attention to origin and insertion of muscles.