Let's rethink deep tissue

Deep tissue doesn’t have to hurt to achieve results. There, I said it!

It’s a conversation I’m having more often with clients now - whether firm pressure is alway necessary to relieve tension, tightness or target knots.

Most people love firm pressure

Over half of my clients book in for deep tissue massage— so I know how much people are carrying. They're aching from working at a desk all day. Their shoulders and neck hurt. They're training a lot. They need more than a Swedish massage or to feel nice and relaxed. And yes, many people genuinely prefer firm pressure - I respect every client's preferences.

But deep isn’t the same as firm. Or forceful. 

The body needs to feel safe

True deep tissue work uses slow, intentional techniques to reach the deeper layers of muscle. When the nervous system feels safe, the body softens — and that’s when real change happens. 

Slow work, myofascial release, breath-led techniques— these can be just as effective, if not more. I’m always working with your goals and preferences, but crucially, I work with your body. I notice how your body is responding to my touch, instead of pushing its limits. If I feel the muscles tensing further, or resisting, I know this is time to pause or rethink my techniques.

Are you compromising on comfort?

Firm pressure is usually achieved when a massage therapist uses more of their bodyweight to apply more force to the muscles or fascia. You may feel great as a result, and by all means deep tissue massage involves firmer work.

But ask yourself, do you sometimes feel the pressure is too much? Are you tensing up when the therapist goes in with their elbow? It might be that you're not working within your levels of comfort.

Some clients arrive at their appointment convinced they need very firm pressure to feel a difference. To find a release. To get rid of their trigger points. But this simply isn't always the case.

Slow and steady wins

Don't get me wrong, some clients really benefit from firmer work and their body can react positively, with signs that the parasympathetic nervous system, or 'rest and digest' is activated. But many end up surprised by how much the slower, subtler, more intuitive work helped — even with those stubborn knots! They end up feeling lighter, more mobile and calmer.

It’s not about how hard. It’s about how effective. The body reacts to safety, not force.

If you’ve ever thought “it only works if it hurts,” this might shift your perspective a little.