What is Deep Flow?
Rather than a massage therapy technique per se, Deep Flow is an approach based on a global vision of manual therapy and on the person’s body awareness.
The approach involves working on the myofascial tissue, i.e. the muscles and fascias*. It also involves different breathing techniques, as well as taking into account imbalances in postural alignment, such as the alignment between the ear and the bones of the shoulder, hip and ankle.
The Deep Flow vision can be applied to all massage therapy techniques.
*Fascia is a membrane of innervated and vascularized connective tissue that envelops and connects the various structures of the body.
What are the benefits of Deep Flow ?
Since awareness is at the heart of Deep Flow, people generally leave the session with a sense of reclaiming their bodies. Many also realize that they can have a greater impact on themselves than they thought.
Here are some of the other benefits of the approach:
- Pain relief
- Improved mobility of myofascial tissue and joints
- Decreased myofascial and joint stiffness
- Improved posture
- Relaxation and relief
The approach is easily adapted to the different physical limitations and health conditions of a person. It can therefore be used with many clients. However, its success will depend on the individual’s willingness to invest in the care he or she receives, whether with the massage therapist during the session or at home between appointments.
Contraindications
Some general contraindications to massage also apply to Deep Flow. Here are some of them:
- Active infection
- Fever
- Open wound
- Fracture
It should be noted that the massage therapist always collects information from the client before beginning the session. This information will be used, among other things, to identify any contraindications to the massage. If necessary, the massage therapist can refer the client to a medical resource or adjust the treatment accordingly to ensure safety.
Course of the session
A Deep Flow massage therapy session can take place on a massage table or chair, or on a futon. The session can also take place on an adjustable bench, called a benchwork, or while the person is in motion (e.g. during a yoga session). The practitioner can work over clothing or directly on the skin. The use of massage oil is possible.
The massage therapist will begin by gathering information by interviewing the client and having him/her fill out a health questionnaire in order to take stock of his/her general condition, his/her body and lifestyle habits. This information will help the massage therapist to adapt his intervention.
Then, the practitioner will proceed to an observation of the postural alignment. This step can be done while the client is standing, sitting or lying down, and will provide information on the problem experienced by the person. For example, the evaluation of postural alignment while lying down will allow the massage therapist to determine the areas of tension or limitations associated with poor sleeping posture and thus intervene more effectively.
The treatment will continue with different massage therapy approaches and techniques targeted by the massage therapist (e.g. trigger points, Swedish massage, shiatsu, kinesitherapy, Californian massage, etc.), to which he will apply the Deep Flow vision. Great importance will be given to the myofascial tissue, the person’s breathing and postural alignment.
One of the particularities of Deep Flow is the active participation of the client during the treatment. Throughout the session, the client will become aware of his or her body, its limitations and pains, and will be fully involved in the massage therapy follow-up. In the end, Deep Flow aims to equip the client to be as autonomous as possible in the management of his or her daily pain and limitations.
A massage therapy treatment integrating Deep Flow can be very short (15 minutes) or last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the needs. It is possible that more than one appointment is necessary.