Deep tissue massage
Firm, focused massage for long-standing muscle tension
Medically reviewed by James Walker, Service Development Director & Senior Physiotherapist, on 26/10/26.
Deep tissue massage is for muscle tension that has built up over weeks or months and is concentrated in one area. Using firm, slow pressure, our therapists work into the deeper layers of muscle and the connective tissue around them, focusing on the specific areas where tension has built up. Deep tissue massage is available at all 14 White House Clinic locations across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and you can book without a referral.
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a form of massage therapy that uses firmer pressure than a general or relaxation massage to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles. Rather than working evenly over the whole body, the therapist concentrates on the specific areas where tension has built up, with the aim of easing deep muscle and fascia tension.
Who is deep tissue massage for?
Deep tissue massage suits people with long-standing tension or tightness in a particular area, and people who prefer a firmer massage. It may suit:
- people who sit for long periods and carry tension in the neck, shoulders or upper back
- people whose work involves repetitive or physical tasks
- runners, gym-goers and other active people with persistent tightness between sessions
- anyone who finds a lighter massage does not reach the tension they feel
Research suggests massage can ease long-standing muscle pain and stiffness in the short term [2], including lower back pain [3], and the NHS lists it alongside exercise among the treatments for back pain that has not improved after a few weeks [4]. If pain rather than tightness is the main problem, or pain has not settled, an assessment with one of our physiotherapists is the better first step, because massage is not a substitute for diagnosis.
How is deep tissue massage different from sports massage?
Both work on muscle tension, but they are built around different needs. Deep tissue massage focuses on long-standing tension in the deeper muscle layers, wherever it has come from. Sports massage is built around exercise and training, including preparing for an event and recovering after hard sessions, and is not just for athletes.
| Deep tissue massage | Sports massage | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Long-standing tension in deeper muscle layers and fascia | Training, events and recovery from exercise |
| Pressure | Firm and slow, concentrated on specific areas | Adjusted to the purpose of the session |
| Suits | People with persistent tightness, whether or not they play sport | Runners, gym-goers, players and anyone training regularly |
If you are unsure which to book, call our reception team on 0114 230 2030 and they can help you choose.
What happens during a deep tissue massage?
A deep tissue massage concentrates firm, slow pressure on the areas you want treated. Before it starts, tell your therapist where you feel tension and about any medical conditions or medication you have.
- Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting that can be removed from the area being treated.
- Firm pressure can feel intense on tight areas. Tell your therapist if it feels like too much at any point, and they will adjust it.
- Some people feel a little tender in the treated area for a day or two afterwards.
When is deep tissue massage not suitable?
Deep tissue massage is not suitable for everyone, and sometimes it should wait. Massage is not usually given if you have [1]:
- a temperature
- broken skin, a rash or inflammation
- a recent blood clot (thrombosis)
Massage is given alongside medical care, never in place of it [1]. Tell your therapist about any medical condition or medication before treatment, especially anything that affects blood clotting, and check with your GP first if you are unsure whether massage is right for you.
Why have deep tissue massage at the White House Clinic?
Deep tissue massage at the White House Clinic sits within the same group as our physiotherapy service, so if tension turns out to be part of a problem that needs assessment, you have somewhere to go next without starting again elsewhere. It is one of our massage services, which range from sports and deep tissue massage to scar therapy and pregnancy massage, each matched to what your body needs.
How much does deep tissue massage cost?
Current massage prices are listed on our prices page, and our reception team can talk you through the options when you book.
Book an appointment
Book online or call 0114 230 2030; no referral needed.
This page is general information and not a substitute for individual assessment.
References
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Massage: Information for Patients: https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/media/ltadesu0/pil202511-06-ma-massage.pdf
- Crawford C, et al. - The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Part I, Pain Medicine, 2016 (67 studies; massage reduced pain compared with no treatment, sham and active comparators): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4925170/
- Furlan AD, Giraldo M, Baskwill A, Irvin E, Imamura M - Massage for low-back pain, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015 (25 trials, 3,096 participants; short-term pain relief and better function in sub-acute and chronic low back pain, no long-term benefit; low to very low certainty): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26329399/
- NHS - Back pain (for pain that does not get better after a few weeks, lists manual therapy, where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints, alongside group exercise and physiotherapy): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/
FAQs
Is deep tissue massage painful?
How will I feel after a deep tissue massage?
Many people feel looser and less tight after a session. Some people feel a little tender in the treated area for a day or two afterwards. If soreness is severe or does not ease after a few days, contact the clinic or speak to your GP.
How often should I have deep tissue massage?
There is no single answer. How often depends on why you are having it, how your body responds and what fits your routine. Your therapist can suggest what makes sense for you after your first session, and you can discuss it again at each visit.
Do I need a referral for deep tissue massage?
No. You can book deep tissue massage at the White House Clinic without a referral, online or by calling 0114 230 2030. It is available at all 14 White House Clinic locations, and our reception team can help you find the most convenient one.
Our Locations
Stay up to date with our regular advice articles and latest news
Our team are ready and waiting to assist with your recovery.
Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure, so it can feel intense, particularly on areas that are tight. It should not be more than you can comfortably tolerate. Tell your therapist if the pressure is too much at any point and they will adjust it, so you stay in control throughout the session.