FAQ: Is Deep Tissue Massage painful?

Some people want to get Swedish Massage to relax, and some love Deep Tissue Massage to feel that their body is surely worked on.  Whatever you choose, all massage is “therapeutic” in the sense that massage influences and promotes your well-being.  

Deep Tissue Massage (I call it Connective Tissue Therapy) seems to be regarded as a somewhat painful method opposed to Swedish Massage.  However, the Connective Tissue Therapy I learned is not intended to push hard or cause pain.  As I explained about fascia and the cornstarch experiment in the previous post “Fascia (Connective Tissue),” I sink in to the tissue slowly only to the degree that the tissue allows me (read about my techniques).  It may not turn out to be “deep” depending on the condition of the tissue, but it is all effective as the superficial fascia still has an effect on the deep fascia.  The work is intended to allow the restricted or dehydrated fascia to become softer and more supple.  The Connective Tissue Therapy invites you to be aware of your body and provides a unique opportunity to discover yourself.  You could experience deeper relaxation because of the slower pace.

Ask your massage therapist first what their “Deep Tissue Massage” is like.  Since massage techniques, methods, and approaches are not clearly defined unless they are registered such as Rolfing®, “Deep Tissue Massage” can be quite different depending on the therapist.  And also, it may be called “Connective Tissue Massage/Therapy,” ”Myofascial Massage,” or something else.  It's important to find one you like, whatever is called.

If you like Deep Tissue Massage, read "No Pain, No Gain?"