A deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on relieving tension in the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues, also known as fascia. It’s often used to treat chronic muscle pain and stiffness, injuries, and even improve range of motion.

Unlike Swedish massages, which are more relaxing and use lighter pressure, deep tissue massages are more focused and intense. Therapists use slow strokes and apply firm pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. They may also use techniques like friction massage, which applies pressure across the grain of the muscle, to break up adhesions (bands of tight, painful tissue).

Deep tissue massage can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Muscle tension
• Stiffness
• Injuries
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Poor posture
• Headaches
• Stress