The Story behind Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage has its roots in various ancient healing practices, but its formalization and recognition as a distinct massage technique occurred in the 20th century.
In the 1800s, Swedish massage pioneer Per Henrik Ling emphasized the use of friction and pressure in massage. This laid the groundwork for deep tissue techniques. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that therapists like Therese Pfrimmer and Therese Coghill began developing specific deep tissue massage methods.
The term “deep tissue massage” gained popularity in the 1980s, as therapists started focusing on deeper layers of muscle tissue to address chronic pain and tension. Today, deep tissue massage is widely practiced, known for its therapeutic benefits in releasing muscle knots and improving overall muscle function.
Deep Tissue Massage is nowadays, for many therapists, an umbrella term for trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, and therapeutic massage.
At the International Massage Associations World Championship in Massage, Deep Tissue massage is not a category, but it is done and given within especially the categories of Sports Massage and Freestyle Massage. Here it is World Massage Champion and IMA Advanced Massage Teacher Luisa Vargas sharing a few Deep Tissue techniques
- Text by Jeppe Tengbjerg
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