Deep tissue massage is one of the most requested massage styles for people who feel “stuck” with chronic tightness, recurring knots, or muscle discomfort that doesn’t go away with light pressure. It’s often recommended for athletes, desk workers, and anyone dealing with limited mobility or muscle tension that seems deeper than surface-level stress. But despite its popularity, deep tissue massage is frequently misunderstood—some people think it must be painful to work, while others assume it’s the same as sports massage or Swedish massage.