Deep tissue massage works on realigning deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue surrounding each muscle fiber, and it often takes time to release in order to get deeper into the muscle fibers. In order to do this, various techniques can be utilized, often including firmer, sustained pressure to target the myofascial layer and the deeper muscles.

When people think about different types of massage they often think of either Deep Tissue or Swedish. The difference being that Swedish is more superficial, using lighter, more relaxing strokes. Deep tissue can include more intense pressure, a combination of lengthening and cross-fiber strokes, freeing muscles from entrapment, and is especially helpful for relieving chronic aches and pain in the neck and low back, muscle tightness, and rehabilitation.