A “Deep Tissue” massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Some of the same “classic” Swedish strokes are used, but the movement is slower and the pressure deeper. It is more concentrated on areas of pain and tension. When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesion to relieve pain and restore normal movement.