Best Deep Tissue Massages Near Me in Central, San Francisco

Massage etiquette is a thing - and it’s important for both you and your therapist. When you’re undergoing a treatment, you shouldn’t:

• Disrespect your therapists’ boundaries
• Be late and expect your full time
• Dress down while your therapist is still in the room
• Make excessive noise

It’s been known for centuries that emotions can be trapped deep inside the body, and a deep tissue massage can be effective at helping release those tensions. Your massage therapist will understand the importance of emotional release as part of their treatments - however it’s important to remember that they may not be trained to assist in emotional therapy.

You should talk to your doctor before having a deep tissue massage if:

• You take blood thinners or have a clotting or bleeding disorder
• You are undergoing treatment for recent surgery or chemotherapy
• You suffer from nerve damage
• You have any skin conditions
• You have wounds that haven’t healed completely
• You have a hernia

Not only can a masseuse or massage therapist feel tension - they should! They’re professionally trained to find and release tension in your body using techniques like compression.

After your deep tissue massage, you’ll want to ensure you feel the full benefits and maximise your gains. It can be helpful to:

• Rest: After an intense massage session designed to relax your mind and body, the best thing to do is help yourself stay relaxed. Whether it’s having a nap or just putting your feet up in front of the telly, let yourself feel the effects of your deep tissue massage. Try and wait for at least 24 hours before any intense physical activity
• Eat and drink - but keep it light: While you should ideally avoid eating or drinking too much before the massage, afterwards you should definitely hydrate yourself. It’s also normal to feel peckish after a massage, so a light and nutritious meal can really hit the spot
• Have a bath: Nothing aids the relaxation process quite like a warm bath - and if you’re feeling it, treat yourself to some bubbles or a bath bomb to really indulge yourself. However you should avoid a hot bath or shower as this can aggravate inflammation. If you have an injury, it’s better to take a cold shower or bath for pain relief.

When you get a deep tissue massage, your therapist will ask which area of your body you want them to focus on. There is no standard method - the treatment should be tailored to your specific needs, but all therapists will have their own individual styles too.

You’ll be asked to lay on the massage table, either on your front, back or side depending on what area is being massaged. Your therapist might begin lightly at first to warm up your muscles, before moving on to the areas of focus.

This will involve deep pressure being applied slowly with hands, arms and elbows to release your contracted muscles and tissues. The time it takes to complete the treatment can vary, but it will normally be between one and two hours.

It’s normal to feel some soreness after a deep tissue massage, as they can be quite intense. Think of it as the same kind of pain you get after a hard workout! The treatment itself does involve high pressure being applied to your body, and there may be some discomfort - if it becomes too much, you can always let your therapist know.

However, it’s important to note that while soreness can be common, you shouldn’t be feeling any extreme pain post-massage. If this is the case, you should tell your therapist and your doctor too.