27/11/2025
“Do you do deep tissue?”
I have two thoughts on the common idea of deep tissue. As a therapist : excessive pressure = lack of palpation and tactile skills. As a client : the need for pain = inability to connect relaxation and feeling the body.
This is why Shavasana can be the most challenging pose in yoga. 🧘
My shorter response is that I’d prefer to be an effective, therapeutic bodyworker. 🎯
Case in point: This mare typically needs much more “force” (tools, scraper, long holds, elbows) for her sessions. I worked on her recently and while she was relaxed and receptive, I was working pretty hard.
In the days since her last session she has had daily Bemer (PEMF), and she’s also been on stall rest. Today’s session unfolded as : Find a tight area - gentle hold, deep breath - big yawn and shake. And repeat. 45 minutes of a physically easy, but highly effective massage.
This is purely hypothesis, but the daily time she’s spent with the Bemer accessing her parasympathetic nervous system, increasing time of relaxation, generally experiencing less anxiety and more balanced behavior, led to one of the best massages I’ve done on her. It makes me think if we aimed to achieve daily relaxation for ourselves how much more pliable we would be.
