A deep tissue massage is a treatment designed to relieve severe tension in the patients muscles and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles.

An extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology is required to determine where to treat each patient.  A deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who are experiencing consistent pain and who are physically active or engaged in sports. It is also common for patients recovering from sustained physical injury to undergo a deep tissue massage. 

It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue massages are a technique that is incorporated in a remedial massage session.