Was this Deep Tissue?

[kias30]

Hello.. I would like some advise please...

I am a massage therapist, qualified in Swedish, and seated upperbody work, as well as Reiki. I have been slowly recovering from 2 prolapsed discs and gradually improving with physio etc etc.

Today to treat myself I went to a theapy studio and asked for a deep tissue massage, I explained that I had prolapses at L 3/4 and L 4/5 and that I need work to release my quads, hamstrings and most importantly my piriformis... she said, fine that is what she would do and then added that she would concentrate on flexibility and drainage techniques...

40 mins treatment followed, and I cannot claime to be knowledgeable in DeepTissue Massage, and do correct me if I am wrong, but it should involve deep tissue work, manipulation, generally on smaller surface areas.. maybe some myofascial release etc etc...

Well I think I had a sweedish massage but ultra firm, a tiny bit of draining to the popletal nodes, but far to heavy and fast to be beneficial.. she did not touch my piriformis atall and worked lots on my shoulders and calf muscles...

She commented that I am not fit, that my muscle tone is good.. but I am full of adipose tissue and have to exercies more and more and see her lots and do lots of meditation as I am a very stressed person..

I paid, said massage was fine and left..

I now have sciatic pain in my right leg - never had this before, I have had to take anti-inflamatories and I ache.

I was shocked at the treatment, but wanted confirmation that what she did was wrong before I complained to the company in writing...

am I right??? or is Deep Tissue just extra firm Swedish Massage and she did give me a good massage?

Help?!

Love and Light,

 

[scip779io]

Hi Fairy Flowerfields.[/align][/align]It can have different meaning to different therapists depending on how they where trained, it is not really just a deeper Swedish massage, there has to be method applied to the muscles to effect a change, I would suggest you try either a sports injury or remedial massage therapist and they should cover all the muscles involved with your problems.[/align]

 

[busymom4boyz]

I'm with Paul on this one. Deep tissue is NOT simply heavy-handed Swedish. Whatever techniques are chosen,specific muscle groupsnot at a superficial level are what should be worked. However, the phrase "deep tissue" for most people (and too many therapists) means"more pressure than a relaxing fluffy Swedish massage".

I am wondering if it is possible that your "prolapsed discs" revelation made the therapist nervous or she is simply inexperienced. I don't know about complaining. Never tried it. When I don't get the massage I need, I just don't go back.

 

[Im back for my TC title]

The basic ITEC course doesn't cover the piriformis (or other deep postural muscles such as the psoas or quadratus lumborum), which may be why Faye's therapist ignored it. To find a therapist who is competent to treat the piriformis, you really need to find someone with a qualification in sports massage or remedial massage. I'd suggest referring to the following websites:

[link=http://www.theisrm.com]http://www.theisrm.com[/link]
[link=http://www.lcsp.uk.com/therapist.php]http://www.lcsp.uk.com/therapist.php[/link]
[link=http://www.sportsmassageassociation.org/]http://www.sportsmassageassociation.org/[/link]

Regards

Alan

 

[JanetTiettotsscold]

thanks Alan,

much appreciated.. but my gripe is why would you say yes you would treat it and then ignore the area completely and treat the shoulders..... ?

Oh well...

 

[Joni ?s Chachi]

Hi fairy flower fields
must say I would have been as disapointed as you with thetreatment you received.

Intricate injury work often requires deep thumb or finger techniques and skilled use of triggerpoint tools.

Some therapists simply dont have the strength in their hands for this sort of work and resort to using the elbo, which could do more harm than good.

I only resort to elbo techniques when confonted with thick matted tissue (large frame bodybuilders ect )

How are you now ?

steve

 

[sav]

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for your comments, I am okay now.. back to normal, pain sometimes, not others...
Never going back there again though...

I find is so frustrating when as a therapist I try so hard to make sure I give the best treatments possible, I take CPD seriously and I don't treat in areas I'm not qualified for... One would hope for a similiar level of service from everyone...

When I have my strength back, I am hoping to take courses in Myofascial release and trigger point therapy to support my work.

thanks