When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue (fascia) by first relaxing the muscles close to the surface. Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
