Deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It's used for chronic aches and pain in contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

Deep tissue massage techniques are used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle "knots" or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation.

At the beginning of a deep tissue massage, lighter pressure is generally applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. Specific techniques are then applied. Common techniques include:

Stripping: Deep, gliding pressure is applied along the length of the muscle fibers using the elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs.

Friction: Pressure is applied across the grain of a muscle to release adhesions and realign tissue fibers.

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during a deep tissue massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on tense areas.