What “deep” actually means
Not more force. Slower, more specific, and aimed at a different layer.
A relaxation massage works the superficial tissue and the nervous system, broadly, over the whole body. Deep tissue work goes after specific bands of fascia and specific trigger points, holding pressure on one spot until it changes, which takes twenty to ninety seconds and cannot be hurried. That is why ninety minutes covers less of you than sixty minutes of the forest hour does.
It is also why the useful instruction is not “harder” but “there.” A therapist who is on the right structure at moderate pressure is doing more than one on the wrong structure at maximum.
The scale, and how to use it
One to ten, out loud, whenever asked. Seven is the working number: distinctly strong, uncomfortable in a way you would describe as productive, and still able to breathe normally. Eight is the ceiling for short holds.
Nine is where people stop breathing and start bracing, and a braced muscle cannot release. Nothing good happens at nine and every therapist here would rather work at six all afternoon than at nine for a minute.
Why you will be sore
Sustained pressure on tissue produces a mild inflammatory response, the same way a hard training session does. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours of dull ache is normal and expected, and it is not damage.
Sharp pain, bruising or anything lasting past three days is not normal. Ring us; it means the pressure was wrong and we want to know.