Massage therapy and the concept of "deep tissue" vs. heavy pressure.

 I often wonder what it is that people believe or understand about "deep tissue" - what it conveys to them when they see or hear the phrase and how does it translate into reality.

I've noticed there seems to be a lot of confusion and misinterpretation around terms and modalities in massage therapy over the years.

The most prevalent one I have noticed lately is this concept or term "deep tissue" and I'm wondering what it truly means to therapists and our clients. 

My curiosity comes into play when I hear someone ask if I do "deep tissue" and I ask what it is they are seeking specifically.  Some people seem to believe it just means "therapeutic" work, as they come in for a pain in their shoulder, neck or back and want help with relief, or recovery from some kind of repetitive strain injury.

Some people believe it means heavy handed, painful and hard or deep pressure work that one must push through, allow, and endure in order to have relief from the overwhelming issues of discomfort in the body.  The "no pain, no gain" mindset. 

I personally employ a method and technique of massage therapy generally called "myofascial massage" aka myofascial release.   It's a slower, heavier, movement, done with firm pressure over a longer period of time that helps relieve and release tension and help to lubricate and rehydrate the fascial tissues that surround the muscles and muscle fibers, as well as stretching the muscles.