What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

So what is a deep tissue massage, you ask? Most people believe deep tissue massages are supposed to be painful in order to be beneficial and include very firm/deep pressure. However, the saying, “No pain, no gain” does not always apply in massage therapy. A deep tissue massage actually involves the manipulation of the deeper layers of muscle and soft tissues in the body. It requires the massage therapist to melt into the tissue before reaching deeper layers by warming up the muscle's top layer. It is a method of bodywork that is designed to release chronic tension patterns, aiming at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue, through the application of a deep, slow and sensitive touch. It is a more focused type of massage to release “knots” (which is actually just muscle fibers and tissue) and chronic muscle tension. Deep Tissue Massage helps with headaches, chronic muscular pain, limited mobility and injury rehabilitation. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks or low back tightness. Although this type of massage can be more intense and a little uncomfortable at times, it should not be painful.