Deep Tissue Massage ≠ Pain

Everywhere I look, I see short reels of clients grimacing, almost crying, sometimes laughing nervously while a therapist drives an elbow in with full body weight. The caption is always the same: “No pain, no gain” or “You gotta suffer to release 😂”.

I get it. Pain sells clicks. It’s effective marketing. But that’s all painful massage is good for: creating content, not healing or creating change.

I know a thing or two about inflicting pain and making strong people tap out. I’ve trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for many years (big respect to my home gyms Carlson Gracie London and CVA here in Edinburgh). I know exactly how the body reacts when it feels genuinely threatened: muscles contract, breath becomes shallow, the nervous system flips into fight-or-flight. If your “deep tissue” session feels like that, you might as well head to your local BJJ club and roll for a few rounds — same physiological response, better cardio, and cheaper.

So if pain isn’t the goal, what is?

Because muscles have many layers, some lying close to the bones, reaching them requires firm pressure. That part is true. The problem begins when a therapist tries to get there too fast, without considering the rest of the body’s state and structures. The result? Pain. And once the body registers pain, the natural response is to guard and contract. From that point on, whatever happens on the table is just superficial manipulation — and usually even more pain.

That is not good massage. And it is definitely not deep massage.

What Deep Tissue Really Means

When you come to me for deep tissue, something very different happens:

• We begin slowly, with a few deep breaths to ground.

• I introduce my hands to your body.

• I listen through touch.

• I take time to feel and understand the muscular system, nervous system, lymphatic flow, fascia, and even the energetic balance.

Nothing in the body exists separately. It is one unbelievably intelligent, interconnected system that deserves humility and respect — never force or pre-determined conclusions.

Only when your body says “yes, I am safe here” do we begin the journey deeper, layer by layer. Pressure can still be firm when needed, but always within the boundaries where your nervous system stays calm and open. No guarding. No fighting. No survival mode.

The result? True release of the deepest layers, lasting relief, better posture, freer movement, and a lightness you may have forgotten was possible. And no need to “grin and bear it” or feel wrecked for days afterward.

The Takeaway

Deep tissue massage is not about how much pain you can endure.

It is a process. A journey of transformation. A way of becoming the strongest, healthiest, most resilient version of yourself — with your body as ally, not opponent.

If you’re tired of the “no pain, no gain” approach and ready for deep work that feels effective, intelligent, and respectful, I’m here.

Book your session today — no tapping out required 😀