If there’s one massage that causes the most confusion, both for clients and therapists, it’s deep tissue massage.
Everyone’s heard of it. Everyone has an opinion about it. And almost everyone misunderstands what it actually is.
Walk into any massage therapy school and the biggest obsession is always the same: pressure.
Who can work the deepest? Who can dig in the hardest? And if you can’t deliver loads of pressure, are you even a decent therapist?
But here’s the thing: most people talk about deep tissue massage without ever knowing what it really is.
So let’s break this down properly, once and for all, so you can decide whether a deep tissue massage is actually right for you, or not.
What Even Is Deep Tissue Massage?
Ask ten people and you’ll get ten different answers.
Some people think it should feel sore during or after.
Others think bruising is normal.
Some believe it’s the “proper” massage and everything else is fluff.
Some think pain = effectiveness.
Ask ten therapists and you’ll get ten different answers as well.
Here’s the reality:
There’s no official, universal definition of what deep tissue massage is.
For most clients, “deep tissue” simply means:
“I want more pressure than a light or relaxing massage.”
Not pain,
Or suffering,
Or gritting your teeth through an hour of elbows!
Just firm, satisfying pressure that feels like it’s actually doing something.
Why People Often Stop Booking Deep Tissue Massage
Because the pendulum swings too far.
Too light = frustrating.
Too heavy = miserable.
Plenty of people book a deep tissue massage in Glasgow, get someone who goes far too hard, and never return, not because massage didn’t help, but because the pressure wasn’t right.
Good deep work should feel:
- comfortable,
- effective,
- relieving,
- and crucially, satisfying, not overwhelming.
If you need to brace yourself or hold your breath… that’s excessive pressure. And, it’s unnecessary stress for your body – it’s not therapeutic.
The Truth: Pressure Is Completely Individual
What feels perfect to one person can feel awful to another.
Firm work on your shoulders might feel incredible, while the same pressure on your calves might feel like torture.
Deep tissue massage should adapt to your body, not force your body to endure a generic idea of “deep.”
So instead of asking:
“Should I get a deep tissue massage?”
Try asking:
“Am I seeing the right therapist for the level of pressure that suits me?”
A good therapist adjusts constantly.
A great therapist listens, checks in, and makes sure the pressure is spot-on—not just deep for the sake of being deep.
You might prefer “firm palms,” “moderately deep,” or “elbow strong.” None of these are wrong. What matters is how it feels to you.
How to Work Out What Kind of Pressure You Actually Need
Ask yourself:
- What pressure feels naturally satisfying for me?
- What type of massage gives me the fastest relief?
- Do I recover well after deeper work, or do I feel wiped out?
- Do I genuinely enjoy deeper pressure, or do I just think I’m “supposed” to?
- Does lighter or moderate pressure still get me the results I want?
If you know you love strong pressure, brilliant.
Maybe you prefer firm-but-not-too-firm, equally valid.
If you’re not sure, that’s normal, we can work it out together.
Deep Tissue Massage in Glasgow with Trevor Chisman
This is where I keep it simple.
You tell me what feels good.
You tell me what doesn’t.
I listen, adapt, and build the pressure around your preferences, not around a generic idea of “deep tissue.”
Whether you’re dealing with:
- shoulder tension
- chronic tightness
- desk-related stiffness
- gym soreness
- stress-related knots
- or you’re just fed up with massages that feel too soft or too brutal
You’ll get a session that’s tailored exactly for what works for you.
Remember, the best massage isn’t the deepest massage.
It’s the one that makes you feel genuinely better.
If You’ve Been Chasing “Deep Tissue,” Here’s a Shift That Might Help
Stop chasing the label.
Start choosing the pressure that suits your body.
That’s where you get:
- more relief
- longer-lasting results
- fewer flare-ups
- more comfort
- and a massage that you genuinely enjoy, not endure
My goal is always the same:
Help you find the pressure that unlocks the most relief with the least discomfort.
Book Your Deep Tissue Massage in Glasgow
If you want deeper pressure, great.
Maybe you want firm but relaxing, also great.
What if you’re not sure? I’ll help you figure it out during the session.
You can book your deep tissue massage in Glasgow on my website, and I’ll tailor the treatment to exactly what your body needs, no more, no less.
Ready to feel the difference?
Book your deep tissue massage with Trevor Chisman in Glasgow today.
