Fern & Soul, remedial massage studio in Innaloo, Perth
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6 July 2026

Deep tissue and trigger point massage, explained

Fern & Soul deep tissue massage in Innaloo, a therapist's forearm working slowly along a relaxed client's upper back on cream linen.

Some tension sits close to the surface and eases with a flowing massage. And some of it sits deeper: the stubborn kind that's built up over months of desk work, training or manual jobs. That's what deep tissue and trigger point massage is for.

What deep tissue massage is

Deep tissue massage works through the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue with slow, firm, deliberate pressure. The pace matters as much as the pressure. Rather than rushing, your therapist works gradually into an area so the muscle has time to respond. It shares a lot with remedial massage, but the focus here is depth and sustained pressure rather than a broader treatment plan.

What a trigger point is

A trigger point is a small, tight spot within a muscle that feels tender when pressed, and many people know them as "knots". Trigger point work involves finding those spots and applying steady, focused pressure until the tightness begins to ease. It's a precise technique: less gliding, more holding, often with your therapist checking in about what you're feeling as they work.

What a session involves

We'll start with a chat about where the tightness is and what you'd like from the session. Firm doesn't mean gritted teeth. A good deep tissue massage works to a pressure that's strong but still lets you breathe and relax into it. If anything ever feels like too much, say so; adjusting is part of the treatment, not an interruption to it. Expect your therapist to spend real time on fewer areas rather than skimming everywhere.

How it compares to a relaxation massage

A relaxation massage is flowing and full-body, designed for switching off. Deep tissue is slower, firmer and more focused, and you might spend twenty minutes on the shoulders alone. Plenty of people alternate between the two depending on what their body's asking for that week. If you're not sure which suits, mention it when you arrive and we'll tailor the session either way.

If firm pressure has stopped getting you anywhere, myofascial cupping and massage works the other way round, lifting the tissue rather than pressing into it. For tension that is squarely the fault of a desk, start with massage for desk neck and shoulder tension.

If the tension comes from the job rather than the gym, our notes on massage for tradies and physical work cover how a session gets shaped around what you do all day.

If firm pressure and next-day soreness are the part giving you second thoughts, will a massage hurt, and how sore should you expect to be after answers it plainly before you book.

Wondering whether firmer is actually better? The difference between remedial and relaxation massage covers the evidence on pressure, and it is not the answer most clinics give. Prices and session lengths are on our remedial massage in Innaloo page.

If you've got a stubborn spot that lighter massage never quite reaches, check availability online and book a time that suits you.

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  • trigger point massage
  • trigger point therapy
  • firm pressure massage
  • remedial massage
  • deep tissue massage Perth
  • deep tissue massage Innaloo
  • massage Innaloo
  • massage Perth

Ready to book a session with us?

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Unit 2, 39 King George Street, Innaloo WA 6018. Free off-street parking.Get directions →

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Verified reviews

What people say after a treatment

5.0 from 38 verified Fresha reviews
Choose which reviews to show
“What an incredible experience! Amy’s attention to detail, her obvious high level of training and knowledge, and the beautiful premises made for what was one of the best, if not the best, remedial massages I have ever had. I have had a lot of massages in my time and this was something else. The only downside is that I had to leave. Thanks Amy, I know your practice is going to get quite popular!”
Mark O
“Such a great experience at Fern & Soul. The clinic itself is modern and beautifully presented, with a calm and relaxing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. Amy was incredibly welcoming and made me feel comfortable straight away. I had a remedial massage and was really impressed with her technique — she clearly knows what she’s doing and worked on exactly the areas that needed attention. I left feeling so much better and will definitely be back. Highly recommend Amy and Fern & Soul if you’re looking for a great remedial massage in a welcoming, calming space.”
Sian N
“I had a remedial massage with Amy and it was fantastic. She hit all the right spots with just the right amount of pressure, and I left feeling energized and refreshed. The facilities were modern, clean, well-appointed, and lovely overall. I’d highly recommend Fern & Soul to anyone in need of musculoskeletal remediation or energy work — great experience from start to finish.”
Andrew W
“Amy is very qualified, knowledgeable and extremely handy when it comes to massage. She knows exactly what and where to target to immediately produce positive outcomes. One of the best if not the best treatments I've had so far. Well done and thanks Amy”
Drago
“Beautiful massage and a good eye for injuries and body compensation. It was a good mix of relaxing and exactly what my body needed.”
hayley w
“Beautiful calm space and an excellent massage. Highly recommend this clean, quiet, relaxing business for some time out to de-stress.”
Anna M
“Had the best deep tissue massage with Amy! I will be a repeat customer for sure! I workout a lot and she knew exactly which trigger points needed to be worked on! Highly recommend!”
Krissy K
“Awesome remedial massage already booked a second session!”
James P
“Beautiful! Everything smelt amazing and massage was wonderful. Can't wait to go back”
Emma R
“Excellent massage! Brand new establishment, very warm and welcoming and left feeling great. Look forward to going back again soon.. 100% recommend.”
Jesse G
“Relief from post op swelling my knees. Beautiful choice oils to be used. Great demeanor of a very professional massage therapist.”
Sue F
“Very clean and calming environment. Amy provided excellent service and I will definitely be back.”
LD
“Had the best deep tissue massage with Amy! I will be a repeat customer for sure! I workout a lot and she knew exactly which trigger points needed to be worked on! Highly recommend!”
Krissy K
“Very clean, pleasant atmosphere. Great massage.”
Darren H
“Amazing, beautifully appointed and Amy really knows what she is doing”
Tracy B
“What an incredible experience! Amy’s attention to detail, her obvious high level of training and knowledge, and the beautiful premises made for what was one of the best, if not the best, remedial massages I have ever had. I have had a lot of massages in my time and this was something else. The only downside is that I had to leave. Thanks Amy, I know your practice is going to get quite popular!”
Mark O
“Communication and excellent service”
Paola G
“Amy is very qualified, knowledgeable and extremely handy when it comes to massage. She knows exactly what and where to target to immediately produce positive outcomes. One of the best if not the best treatments I've had so far. Well done and thanks Amy”
Drago
“Fantastic massage and beautiful space! Felt very relaxed ☺️”
Jess F
“Always perfect”
Lisa S

Ten of the 38 reviews clients have left after a completed appointment. Read every review on Fresha