Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but it goes farther and is intended for a different purpose.
Deep tissue massage is best suited for:
- athletes
- runners
- people with injuries
It can also work for people with chronic pain conditions such as:
- fibromyalgia
- lower back pain
Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your:
- muscles
- tendons
- fascia, or dense connective tissue
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same stroking and kneading movements as Swedish massage, but there’s far more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful.
In order to reach the deep muscle tissue, a therapist will massage layer by layer of muscle, applying more and more pressure and employing special techniques with the fingers, fists, and maybe even elbows reach and stretch that deep tissue.
This type of massage facilitates healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help increase blood flow to the soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.
