Deep Tissue Massage is ideal for addressing painful, stiff, trouble spots in your body. For example, the shoulders are a common area where deep tissue massage is used to help breakdown knots (also known as adhesions). The technique uses slow, deliberate strokes with increased pressure to get to the deeper layers of the muscles and fascia (connective tissue). Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.