What it is
Deep tissue massage uses slower strokes and sustained pressure to reach deeper muscle layers and the fascia around them. The pressure is firm, but it is applied gradually and adjusted to what your tissue actually allows on the day — depth that you cannot breathe through is not useful depth.
Your therapist works region by region rather than covering the whole body, so a 60-minute deep tissue appointment usually addresses two areas well instead of six lightly.
What a session looks like
We start with a short conversation about what hurts, what makes it worse, and what you need to be able to do. Your therapist checks range of motion in the affected area, then treats with you draped, face up, face down or side-lying as needed.
Pressure is negotiated out loud. You can ask for less at any point, and you are never asked to hold still through pain.
After your appointment
It is common to feel worked-on for a day or two afterward, similar to the day after unfamiliar exercise. Water, gentle movement and heat are usually enough. If you have plans that need your body at its best, book firm work a couple of days ahead rather than the night before.