The old theory was to take what you know and just dig in deeper. This coupled with the idea of “no pain, no gain” was often a recipe for disaster. The new school of thought is to use advanced techniques, drawing from a variety of modalities, to best address the clients specific issues. Pain is often counterproductive, causing muscles to tighten when the pain sensors are overloaded. Deep tissue massage may sometimes be a bit intense but the client should not feel as if they are enduring anything. There should be a good pain that has an “aaahhhh” effect not an “ooowwww” effect. Slowly working deeper and with intention allows time for tissue to warm up and then respond by softening and lengthening.
Think of muscles like taffy. If it is slowly pulled it stretches but if you yank it fast it tears. Muscles work on the same principle. Making sure to work within the clients comfort level is a critical componenet to a wonderful deep tissue session.
Communication and education are the key to everyones happiness. Stop suffering and get results that feel good, and not just because the session is over.
Note: Some therapies are the exception to the rule. Sports massage is more of a vigorous style and may be faster. Rolfing / Structural integration can be on the more intense side. This is usually because clients are already suffering intense pain daily. There may be more of an ow pain due to the severity of the injury / issue, but clients should see results in daily discomfort.