Deep Tissue Massage Toronto
What is a deep tissue massage?
Deep Tissue massage is a treatment where the RMT gets down into the deeper layers of muscle and other tissues of the body. It can be an effective and time-efficient option to thoroughly reduce tension and free up restricted tissue layers. A skilled RMT will warm up the more superficial layers first and gradually work deeper so you get a thorough treatment without pain.
How do I find a deep tissue massage downtown Toronto? How do I find a Deep tissue massage near me? Where can I find a Deep tissue massage RMT Toronto?
You can find many Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs), sometimes called masseuses or masseurs, in downtown Toronto. If you are near Bloor and Sherbourne, come see one of our RMTs for deep tissue massage at Zazen Massage & Wellness! For more information, see our Team and Services pages, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Where can I find a deep sports tissue massage Toronto?
Come to Zazen Massage & Wellness for sports massage near Bloor and Sherbourne. Your Sports Massage RMT will often use Deep Tissue techniques to help balance out your muscles, deep fascial techniques to free up restricted tissue layers, and maybe also some stretching and tapotement (chopping-like techniques) to tone you up or down. The set of techniques selected for your treatment depends on your goals and stages of training.
Are deep tissue massages painful? Are deep tissue massages supposed to hurt?
No, deep tissue massages do not generally have to hurt, although there may be some specific points of tension that are inherently uncomfortable to work out. Your RMT should check in with you before and during these parts of the treatment to let you know risks and benefits and to make sure treatment is always within your pain threshold. If it ever feels like it’s too much pressure, please let your RMT know so they can back off.
How long should you wait between deep tissue massage?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule about how frequently you should get any type of massage. Sometimes a few treatments close together can be a good way to optimal therapeutic results, but one treatment will often be enough to resolve your tension. A good rule of thumb is to wait a couple days to see how your body is feeling after a deep tissue massage. Talk with your RMT to get a recommended treatment frequency – they will be able to offer some recommendations based on your goals and the way your body responds to a given treatment.
Toronto Deep Tissue Massage
Is deep tissue massage full body?
Deep Tissue massage can be full body or focused on the specific areas that need the most attention. It can also be used in combination with Swedish, Hot Stone, Prenatal, or other type of massage. Talk with your RMT so they can use a combination of techniques that is right for you.
Full body massage normally includes your head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands, legs and feet, though we can modify which areas are included based on your goals and priorities.
Where appropriate and beneficial, sensitive areas (gluteal muscles, chest wall muscles, upper-inner thighs, and breasts) can also be also be included in a Swedish Massage. For sensitive areas to be included, there must always be a conversation with your RMT before you get on the table and special consent must be given in the form of initials and a signature.
What to do after a deep tissue massage? Can I work out after a deep tissue massage?
After your deep tissue massage, your RMT should give you selfcare advice specific to your needs. It’s generally a good idea to take it easy and not engage in an intense workout the same day. Deep tissue massage can challenge the muscles in a similar way to your workout, and too much challenge might leave you feeling a bit drained or sore for a day or two afterward.
Otherwise, there isn’t much to do except pay attention to how your body feels. Hopefully great! But there is some risk of post-massage soreness like the soreness you might feel after a new strength workout. This is rare, and it normally passes in a day or two. Talk to your RMT if you have questions about self-care.
What's the difference between a Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue?
Deep Tissue massage refers to a treatment where the RMT gets down to the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Your RMT will generally still use Swedish techniques to warm up the muscles and other tissue before using deeper, more specific techniques.
Can Deep Tissue massage cause bruising?
Bruising should not happen after a Deep Tissue Massage. Please make sure to communicate, through your health history intake and verbally to your RMT, if you have a condition in which you bruise easily so we can make appropriate adaptations.
Can I get deep tissue massage while pregnant?
Yes, provided you are healthy and having a normal pregnancy, Deep Tissue Massage is safe and can be a great addition to your selfcare routine. After the first few weeks of pregnancy (and often even during the first few weeks) your RMT will position you so you’re lying on your side. Pillows are provided for under your head, between your knees, and one more to cuddle for stability. This position ensures that pressure is not applied to the fetus or your valuable internal blood vessels and organs.
If you are having an abnormal pregnancy, massage may still be a good option for you, but you may want to check in with your doctor and RMT beforehand.
Can you get a deep tissue massage while breastfeeding?
Yes, deep tissue massage is still a safe option while you are breastfeeding, and it can offer many benefits. Deep tissue treatment is great for relieving tension often felt in the neck, shoulders and back due to sustained baby-holding posture. It’s also a great way to help rebalance your body in your post-natal weeks and months.
If you have questions related to any special health concerns, make sure to talk with your RMT or doctor before treatment.
Can’t sleep after deep tissue massage?
You may feel a noticeable increase in your energy levels after a deep tissue massage. High tension muscles and “knots” or trigger points use up a lot of energy, so when these are released, you may feel more free, light, and energetic after your treatment. If this tends to happen, consider making a morning or early afternoon appointment. Many people find that an early morning massage is a great way to start the day with focus and energy.
Does a deep tissue massage help with cellulite?
Massage, even deep tissue, does not have any long-term effects on cellulite, though it may temporarily smooth out its appearance by improving circulation and softening up tissue layers.
Does deep tissue massage help lymphatic system?
Deep Tissue massage techniques are not designed to help the lymphatic system; however, the overall treatment may be beneficial to a healthy lymphatic system. A deep tissue treatment will usually include swedish techniques that flush and warm the body’s tissues, and this promotes healthy lymphatic and cardiovascular circulation.
If you have any special concerns or dysfunctions of the lymphatic system, deep tissue may not be the best option. In these cases, visit a lymphatic specialist first such as your doctor or an RMT trained in advanced lymphatic drainage.
Does deep tissue massage help pinched nerve?
Depending on the cause of the pinched nerve, deep tissue massage may be very helpful. High-tension muscles, tight tendons, and other restricted tissue layers can compress a nerve, or tight muscles may pull joints together in a way that affects the nerve pathway. In these cases, deep tissue massage can be very effective in freeing up the causes of those pinched nerves.
Does deep tissue massage release toxins?
Your body is already very good at flushing toxins on its own, but massage can help optimize your natural healthy functions. Deep tissue massage can help your body to reduce a buzzing Sympathetic Nervous System (fight-or-flight) and encourage activity of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest-and-digest).
When you are in fight-or-flight mode, your muscles tense up, you feel more stress, and bodily functions are diverted towards literally prepping you to fight off a physical threat or run away. It is designed as a short-lived response so you can fend off predators, but we tend to hold onto our stress for much longer and for reasons that are not actually life-threatening.
The rest-and-digest part of your nervous system helps you heal, rebuild muscles, prepare nutrition for optimal use, and send unwanted materials, “toxins”, off for disposal. These are the benefits we tend to focus on with massage therapy, including deep tissue treatment.
How does a deep tissue massage work?
In terms of how a deep tissue massage would flow: it all starts with your intake interview, in which your RMT asks you how you’re feeling and what your goals are for the session. If you will be undressing for the treatment, the RMT leaves the room so you can get under sheets on the massage table. When you’re ready, the RMT comes back, undrapes only the areas of your body on which they are currently working, and provides treatment generally involving oil or lotion directly on the skin. It is also possible, and sometimes preferable, to have a deep tissue treatment applied without the use of oil/lotion; in these cases, treatment could be applied either directly to the skin or through sheets or clothing.
In terms of how deep tissue massage could work effectively: the goal is normally for the RMT to work into high tension muscles and other connective tissues to help you move more freely, balance out your posture, and reduce tension and stress. Talk to your RMT about your goals and we can make a treatment that works well for you.
How long are you sore after a Deep Tissue massage?
It is not commonly necessary for you to feel any soreness after a deep tissue massage. If you feel sore after any treatment, please make sure to let your RMT know before the following treatment so they can modify their techniques. No-pain-no-gain is a myth in massage. Pain is not necessary for positive results, and it is often counter-productive.
When post-massage soreness occurs, it generally feels like the soreness you would feel after a new workout, and it should pass within a day or two. If you have questions after your treatment, please reach out to your RMT for advice.