Deep Tissue, this approach is powerful and sometimes painful although the benefits can be great. It is helpful in restructuring the body, and improving posture. Deep-tissue refers to many, many different things to different people in the context of massage.

In the context of Swedish massage, deep-tissue work most often consists of slower strokes and more pressure. To keep from "sliding" over the lubricated skin, the therapist must use greater pressure to access the deeper tissues of the body.

With deep-tissue Swedish, the therapist targets deeper muscle groups after first warming the skin and more superficial soft tissues of the body. Therapists also use greater pressure and deep-tissue Swedish massage to help break up scar tissue.