Deep Tissue Massage

Unlike gentler, relaxation massage techniques like Swedish massage, deep massage offers both mental and physical benefits. The main benefits of an Austin deep massage include:

• Stress relief and headache pain
• Relief for lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, and sports injuries
• Helps lower blood pressure and heart rate
• Helps break up and minimize scar tissue
• Treats the many symptoms of arthritis

Deep tissue massages might cause some discomfort or slight pain, especially in your problem areas. That’s because during a deep tissue treatment, your massage therapist will use firm pressure and slow strokes to reach the deeper layers of muscles, tendons, and fascia.

Clients typically refer to it as a “good hurt” (cue John Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good“) because the discomfort also offers relief.

Your massage therapist will do regular check-ins with you during the treatment to make sure the level of treatment is okay. However, you should let them know if the pressure ever becomes too uncomfortable.

For most people, getting a deep tissue massage once a month will help you manage tension, maintain flexibility, and promote overall muscle health.

Athletes and very active people may benefit from more frequent weekly or bi-weekly deep massage treatments to help with recovery and enhance performance.

At Viva, your massage therapist will help you determine the ideal frequency based on your health, activity level, aches and pains, and desired outcome.

A deep tissue massage costs between $140 and $225 per session at Viva Day Spa + Med Spa in Austin, Dallas, & Round Rock, Texas. The total price of the massage depends on the length of the massage session you choose. Massage add-ons like a mini hot stone treatment, foot reflexology, or Magic Mint scalp massage cost extra.

The primary difference between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage is the amount of pressure used by your massage therapist. Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than Swedish massage. However, there are lots of other reasons you may prefer one massage technique over the other. Learn more in our article “What’s the Difference Between  Swedish And Deep Tissue Massage?“

During a couples massage at Viva Day Spa + Med Spa, each of you can choose the relaxing, gentle pressure of Swedish massage or the therapeutic release of a deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage works by applying slow, concentrated pressure to the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, breaking up the adhesions — the dense bands of rigid tissue — that form from chronic stress, overuse, or injury. This restores circulation to the area, reduces localized inflammation, and allows muscles to move more freely.

Beyond the physical effects, deep tissue work activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol and helping your body shift out of a stress response. Many guests notice improved range of motion, reduced chronic pain, and a deep sense of physical release that lasts well beyond the session itself. At Viva, our LMTs assess your areas of tension before each session so the work is targeted specifically to what your body needs.