Deep tissue massage uses a lot of pressure and requires a strong pair of hands. It targets deep layers of muscle and fascia to bring about correction, release, and relaxation.
Deep tissue massage can get painful, and the pressure used must be within the patient’s threshold for pain. Calculating firm pressure during the stroke otherwise it defeats the purpose in trying to release, and relieve pain in the muscles being worked on.
This massage is often incorporated in Sports Therapy as injuries can often create adhesions within deep tissue layers, if not treated in a reasonable time. The goal is to not let injured muscles become chronic and painful. Breaking up tissue adhesions within deep layers takes skill and experience. Otherwise with the level of pressure that is required, more harm than good can be created.
Direct communication with the therapist is recommended during a deep tissue massage. This will allow for valuable feedback regarding the amount of pressure most tolerable and therapeutically beneficial to the patient.