A common misconception is that deep tissue massage is any massage technique performed with very firm pressure. Deep tissue is actually a modality of massage, a collection of certain techniques designed to achieve specific results. In fact, deep tissue generally doesn’t feel all that deep due to the way in which the techniques are applied. The strategy is to work layer by layer, starting at the surface, to release adhesions (tight spots) in the soft tissue. By the time the deeper layers are reached, the surface layers are so relaxed that the client often doesn’t notice how deeply the work is taking place. This prevents the body from tensing up, and therefore allows the work to be more effective.
Deep tissue massage can help with chronically tight areas, and is often combined with other modalities such as Swedish massage. The techniques involved with deep tissue take time, so choose a specific body part (the back, for example) as a focus area during a massage. And remember, the saying “no pain, no gain” does NOT apply here. There are times when deep tissue can be painful, but it is generally quite relaxing and it does not have to hurt in order to be effective.