Requires a Therapist who understands the layers of the body and has the ability to work with tissue in these layers to relax, lengthen and release holding patterns effectively and efficiently. It is properly applied at oblique angles with little or no use of oil or lotion. The client will feel the results deep into the core of the tissue which is being worked. The pleasure/pain level should be "hovering between pleasure & pain" or as clients often describe, "A good hurt". The release this provides can be a relaxing experience. Clients usually leave the session feeling better, not in pain and often continue to feel further improvement for several days to a week. Some clients will feel soreness or fascial pain for 1 to 2 days following treatment.
Deep Tissue Massage is NOT just 'pressing harder'. It should not be a painful experience when applied by a therapist with knowledge and experience. In some cases there may well be fascial soreness or pain the following day or two. There should not be bruises or soreness on the bone caused by intense downward pressure mashing muscle against bone