Is Deep Tissue right for you? Many people in San Diego ask for “Deep Tissue” when what they really want is “Deep Pressure.” True Deep Tissue massage is a specific therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

What does Deep Tissue Massage feel like?

• Slow, deliberate strokes
• Firm pressure that targets the inner layers of your muscles
• A feeling of “good pain” where you can feel the tension releasing
• You may feel some soreness for a day or two after, similar to a workout

Why do we get chronic tension? When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. In our modern San Diego lifestyle, this often comes from posture—sitting at a desk, driving, or looking down at phones—which locks muscles into a shortened state.

How does Deep Tissue massage help? Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. At A New Body Massage, we use knuckles, elbows, and forearms to sink slowly into the tissue. We don’t just mash the muscle; we wait for the tissue to “melt” and invite us in. This allows us to access the deep spinal muscles and rotators that Swedish massage often misses.

How to prevent chronic tension?

• Be mindful of your posture during the day
• Take frequent breaks to move if you work at a desk
• Drink plenty of water after your massage to help flush metabolic waste
• Apply heat to stiff areas to encourage blood flow