Deep Tissue Versus Deep Pressure

Deep pressure and deep tissue are often thought of as the same—but they are actually two different things that lead to different results when it comes to massage therapy.

Deep pressure is exactly that - using more force to deliver deeper pressure during your massage. Deep tissue, on the other hand, involves working the deeper muscle layers and addressing “knots” or areas of dysfunction within muscle and connective tissue.

Deep pressure is not necessarily required for deep tissue. Rather, deep tissue work requires working slowly and easing into the muscle as it lets go. In fact, using too much pressure, too fast might actually cause you to subconsciously guard or lock up, preventing any real benefit from occurring or for the massage therapist to adequately treat the area. Some discomfort is expected during deep tissue work—but the “pain is gain” mentality is not always the case in order to correctly address the dysfunction.

Unfortunately, many spas and massage centers perpetuate the confusion between deep pressure and deep tissue by charging extra for deep tissue or using verbiage that leads clients to believe deep pressure is the only way to get relief from pain. That’s why at Sport to Spa Massage & Bodywork our prices are all-inclusive, regardless of if you’re looking for Swedish, deep tissue, light pressure or firmer pressure. We will customize your session to what your body needs, and you don’t have to worry about paying extra for different techniques or pressure levels.

Some people simply enjoy a firmer pressure—and that is perfectly fine—but if you’re wanting an issue resolved, do yourself a favor and allow your massage therapist to work on the problem-area slowly, gradually increasing pressure only as your muscle and nervous system allows the work to be done.

To experience a true deep tissue massage, book online here.