Deep tissue and trigger point massage, explained

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