It is a specific massage; adapting techniques to work below superficial connective tissue, with the aim to release old structural patterns and allow the free flow of nutrients and oxygen in the blood and so to the tissues themselves. Deep Tissue Massage helps to free trapped nerves, oxygenate poorly circulated areas and allows the spine and joints to relax into alignment.  When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.