While some of the strokes may feel the same as those used in Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage isn't a stronger version of a Swedish massage.

 
At the beginning of a deep tissue massage, lighter pressure is generally applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. Specific techniques are then applied.

Deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:

* low back pain
* limited mobility
* recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls)
* repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
* postural problems
* muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutes, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back
* osteoarthritis pain
* sciatica 
* piriformis syndrome
* tennis elbow
* fibromyalgia
* upper back or neck pain