Deep tissue massage in Sofia is a full-body massage with slower, firmer pressure. It reaches the deeper layers of the muscles and the tissue around them (the fascia), where long-standing tension collects. It suits you if your muscles are often tight from training, desk work or an old injury. At Kainezi Therapy, deep tissue massage is done by Kaloyan Zarkov, a kinesitherapist (physiotherapist) with over 10 years of practice.
What to expect
The session starts with a short chat: where you feel tight, for how long, and what you do day to day. This tells Kaloyan where to spend more time. The massage is on a treatment table, with oil. You undress to your underwear, and any area that isn’t being massaged at that moment stays covered with a towel.
Kaloyan begins with lighter strokes to warm up the muscles. Then he works slowly, with his palm, fingers, forearm or elbow, and holds the pressure on the tight spots. The pressure is firmer than in a relaxing massage, but it shouldn’t be unbearable. If it is too much anywhere, say so and he will ease off. Deep pressure works when the muscle can let go, not when you are tensing against the pain.
The next day your muscles may feel slightly sore, as they do after a workout. This passes in a day or two. For chronic tension, a few massages 1–2 weeks apart usually help. After that, one a month helps to keep the effect.
What it helps with
- A stiff neck, tight shoulders and pain between the shoulder blades
- A tight lower back and buttocks from sitting for long periods
- Tight thighs and calves from running or training
- Headaches from tension in the neck
- Limited movement because of tight muscles
- An old injury that has left the muscle tight
Who is this massage for?
- You exercise regularly and your muscles recover slowly.
- You sit for long hours and your neck and shoulders are always tight.
- You have tension that a light massage can’t release.
- You like firmer pressure and prefer to feel the massage.
When it isn’t suitable
- With a fever, a cold or a skin infection.
- With acute inflammation or a recent injury in the area, such as a strain, a knock or a bruise.
- With varicose veins or thrombosis in the area.
- If you take blood thinners or bruise easily, tell Kaloyan. The pressure will be lighter.
- If you are pregnant or have osteoporosis or cancer, ask first. A lighter massage is usually more suitable.
