Deep tissue massage uses a number of methods that clients often request who are looking for injury rehabilitation, joint mobilization, or treatment of specific muscle and joint problems. These methods tend to be very popular among athletes for treating sports-related issues and for those who deal with chronic pain.

Clients who are new to massage may feel less inclined to ask for deep tissue massage because of claims that this type of bodywork is intense or painful.

Instead, they opt for a standard Swedish massage. But both Swedish and Deep Tissue massage share fundamental principles and only differ in their intention, pressure application, and focus.