We start with a basic assumption that muscles always win. When a muscle is tight, in spasm, injured, over used or lacking good blood flow - it is not reliably possible to force the muscle to get better by digging into it and deeply manipulating the muscle. If you get poked in the eye; you don't help the inured eye by poking it again? If you bang your thumb with a hammer; you don't make it feel better by hitting it again with a hammer? (At least I hope not) Likewise, with injured or painful muscles it doesn't make a lot of sense to do things that perpetuate pain or injury.
A muscle, under a microscopic view, is made up of many very fine hair like fibers that act together as a group to create muscle contractions. Under stress, these fibers are easily damaged and can range from small fiber tears to full muscle tears. It is actually pretty amazing how these tiny fibers combine together to perform movements and handle weight loads. Additionally, a muscle and the little fibers that make a muscle create movement, only has one movement function - contraction. The same muscle that is contracted does not have its own ability to un-contract and re-extend itself. The only thing a muscle can do after contraction is - release. A contracted muscle, even when the fibers release and relax, needs help re-extending by the action of opposing muscles. The same muscle can not extend itself to a non-contracted position without help. It makes sense then, that simply working a muscle in a contracted state is not going to actually help it get back to pre-contracted or normal position without some type of supportive movement, opposing stretch, or opposing muscle activity.
There can be several reasons for sore muscles, such as: build up of waste products (lactic acid) due to exercise or over use; lack of blood flow (ischemic issues); stretched or inflamed tendons (tendinitis); ripped or torn muscle fibers or tendons (worst case - surgery). In any case, deep tissue massage is not likely to produce the best results. Granted, deep tissue manipulation may incidentally help move out lactic acid or improve blood flow - but, because we can't see inside the muscle (unless we have an MRI); we can't know exactly what is happening. Nor, can we only assume one thing is going on. Therefore, the risk of increasing injury or pain with deep tissue massage is pretty high - especially when many massage therapists performing deep tissue massage are not well trained in the process.
Over the years, we have found that there are various options to help sore or injured muscles that do not rely on deep tissue techniques. Depending on our clients situation, the following techniques may be effective:
- slow pumping and kneading of the muscle
- slow and progressive stretches across the muscle insertions
- contrasting cold and heat applications
- gentle relaxation of the muscle by shortening the insertion points to help the muscle reset and relax (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
- use of essentials oils that create an analgesic effect or improve blood flow to the area
- slow range of motion movements, with or without, active resistance
- thai yoga massage stretching techniques
- acupressure point manipulation
- focused breathing and intention to relax the tight or spasmed muscle
The above listed techniques work with the body to help facilitate the natural repair methods that ultimately are what allow for healing to occur. These options are also more likely to be available when a client is in acute pain because these options are gentle and non-aggressive. Because other options exist, we stay away from deep tissue massage and offer services, that more likely than not, will provide benefit without the risk of making things worse. Click here for more information about Wishing Wellness
