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Deep Tissue vs. Deep Pressure- Is There a Difference?

  • Writer: Danielle Pukala
    Danielle Pukala
  • Jun 20, 2024
  • 4 min read

Massage therapy is used to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and aid in the healing process. Two common types of massage are deep tissue massage and deep pressure massage. While they may sound similar, they have distinct differences and unique benefits. Let’s delve into these two techniques to understand them better.


Deep Tissue: More Than Just Pressure

Deep tissue massage is a specialized form of massage therapy that focuses on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes. This technique is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries.


One goal of deep tissue massage is to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduce tension in muscle and tissue. Contrary to popular belief, deep tissue massage is not supposed to be very painful. While it can be more intense than a relaxation massage, the pressure should never be so severe that it causes the client to tense up or feel pain. You should always be able to fully breathe in and out, without any difficulty while receiving any kind of bodywork, even deep tissue.


Techniques Used in Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage involves several techniques to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. These include:

  1. Stripping: This involves deep, gliding pressure along the length of the muscle fibers using the elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs.

  2. Friction: This technique applies pressure across the grain of a muscle to release adhesions and realign tissue fibers.


The therapist will start with lighter pressure to warm up and prepare the muscles. The specific techniques are then applied. The most important thing to remember is that deep tissue massage should not be painful. It’s crucial to communicate with your therapist to ensure the pressure is comfortable for you.


Deep Pressure: Not Just for Deep Tissue

Deep pressure refers to the amount of force the therapist uses while applying the chosen techniques. It can be moderated by the therapist, meaning they can adjust the amount of pressure incrementally.


Deep pressure can be applied in any kind of massage, not just deep tissue. For instance, a Swedish massage, known for its long strokes and light-to-firm pressure, can also incorporate deep pressure. The key is that the pressure must be adjusted to the client’s comfort level and therapeutic needs.


Techniques Used in Deep Pressure Massage

Deep pressure massage, on the other hand, is more about the level of pressure applied rather than the techniques used. The therapist can use a variety of strokes but applies them using a heavier hand. Again, communication is key to ensuring the pressure is not too intense.


Benefits of Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help you unwind mentally, too.


Research has shown that deep tissue massage can help manage pain and increase a person’s range of motion. It may be a suitable option to treat sports injuries or chronic back pain. A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce pain in people with chronic low back. The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).


A 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that deep tissue massage can help reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.


Furthermore, a 2014 study published in Scientific World Journal found that deep tissue massage can help lower blood pressure readings. In fact, participants had a decrease in systolic pressure of 10.4 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure decrease of 5.3 mm Hg, one hour after the massage.


Deep pressure massage can also offer numerous benefits. It can help to relieve chronic tension in muscles, reduce muscle pain, reduce stress levels and aid in getting better quality sleep.


The Difference

The significant difference between deep tissue and deep pressure massage lies in their effect on the body’s layers. Deep tissue massage aims to treat the deeper layers of the muscle, focusing on treating muscle pain and stiffness. On the other hand, deep pressure can be applied in any type of massage and is more about the force applied rather than the layers targeted.


Both deep tissue and deep pressure massage offer unique benefits and can be used effectively to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and aid in the healing process. It’s essential to communicate with your massage therapist about your comfort level and therapeutic needs to ensure the most beneficial and enjoyable massage experience.


Remember, every individual is unique and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. It’s always a good idea to discuss your personal health history and goals with your massage therapist to ensure the most beneficial and enjoyable massage experience.




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