Deep tissue massage is a technique that employs understanding of the different layers of the body and works with tissue in these different layers to relax, lengthen, and release holding patterns in the most effective and energy efficient way possible. In deep tissue massage, there is less emphasis on pleasure as the primary goal and more emphasis on altering structure and muscle restrictions. *

* From Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques, Art Riggs (Berekely, North Atlantic Books, 2002)