Electra Health

Deep Tissue Massage

Quick answer: Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure to reach the deeper layers of your muscles and fascia and release long-standing tension and knots. At Electra Health, 21 registered massage therapists offer deep tissue massage at 970 Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver, 7 days a week, 7 AM–9 PM.

  • First visit: 60-minute initial massage therapy, $145 + GST
  • Good for: stiff necks and shoulders, low back tension, desk posture and post-training tightness
  • Insurance: covered by most extended health plans, and by ICBC after a car accident
  • Book: book online or call 604-685-4325

ICBC treatment at Electra Health

Deep tissue massage is an important technique used in a therapeutic massage. It is administered to alleviate muscle strain and emotional stress, and it helps to develop and maintain a healthy posture as it heals overused or overloaded muscles.

Deep tissue massage is particularly helpful to patients after hard physical training, excessive sports, and prolonged sitting activities. It treats stiff, tight, pulled and contracted muscles in any part of the body as well as relieving pain in the back, neck, and head.

Deep Tissue Massage and Massage Therapy

Deep tissue massage goes to deeper layers of our muscles by using stretching, squeezing and pressuring techniques producing a treatment of cleansing, invigorating and stress-relieving benefits. The patient guides the depth, intensity, and frequency of the treatment to maximize the benefits to the body; deep tissue massage encourages blood circulation making it way more efficient, and by providing much-needed oxygen to the extremities such as the head and toes.

While deep tissue massage stimulates the circulatory system by increasing the supply of oxygen to the body, the outcome of this massage reduces inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and fascia. It also can relieve headaches, back, and neck pain, and most importantly, this type of massage relieves stress and is recommended by physicians for stress management programs.

When to get a deep tissue massage:

  • When muscle and tendons in any part of the body show symptoms of muscle strain such as pulled, tight, or bound-together muscles; and for all types of muscle strain
  • To relieve tension headaches
  • Sluggish, inflexible or painful body movements

Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

  • Lengthening of shortened muscles
  • Softening and dissolution of banded muscles
  • Encouraging flexibility to tight and stiff muscles
  • Realigning scar tissue
  • Brings balance and elasticity to the body
  • Cleansing and flushing of toxins

The massage therapist works deep to stimulate the internal layers of muscles. By using strong squeezing, pressuring and kneading movements the massage therapist encourages the muscles, tendons and connective tissue to release acids, toxins, and other body wastes. The cleansing achieved during the deep tissue massage not only becomes the basis for the reinvigoration and healing of the body but also relieves stress from nerve tissues helping with stress management.

Wellness Tips from Mark Bentz:

The cleansing and corrective action of deep tissue massage allow the body to flush toxins efficiently. Please remember to drink plenty of water after each session.

Be prepared for some discomfort during a deep tissue massage as the pressuring and stretching techniques used can be a bit more demanding than our usual idea of a massage therapy treatment.

In most cases, you will experience some muscle soreness after the treatment. The soreness goes away in a couple of days, and the body is revitalized.

We have several Massage Therapists trained in Deep Tissue Massage.


BACK to Vancouver Massage Therapists

Who offers deep tissue massage at Electra Health

Each of these registered massage therapists lists deep tissue massage in their treatments. Click a name to read their background, see their pricing and book with them directly.

Jeannie Chan · Sam (Seonghoon) Yu · May Singthonghorm · Igor Bugarinovic · Tanner Pearce · Javier Vazquez · Maria Strasky · Valia Marquez · Trevor Beckley · Tanya Skipor · Sophie Cascade · Janet Lee · Jad Hamade · Irina Oulianova · Harsh Gill · Doina Pislari · Cole Majoros · Cindy Thomas · Brad Dow · Arden Tempest-Wadden · Ayaka Ochiai

Looking for something more specific? See myofascial release or sports massage.

Deep tissue massage questions, answered

Is deep tissue massage supposed to hurt?

No. You will feel firm pressure and some discomfort over tight spots, but it shouldn’t feel like sharp pain. Tell your therapist anytime and they will adjust the pressure.

Will I be sore after a deep tissue massage?

Yes, you might feel some soreness for a day or two, a bit like after a workout. Drinking water, gentle movement and a warm shower all help.

Is deep tissue massage the same as sports massage?

No. Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia to release long-standing tension. Sports massage is built around training, events and recovery for active people. Many of our RMTs offer both.

Should I get a deep tissue massage every week?

No, not usually. Most people do well every two to four weeks for ongoing tension, or weekly for a short stretch while recovering from an injury. Your RMT will suggest a plan that fits your goals.

Do I need a referral for deep tissue massage?

No. You can book directly with any of our RMTs. Some extended health plans ask for a doctor’s note before they reimburse massage therapy, so check your plan if you are claiming.

Is deep tissue massage covered by insurance?

Yes, when a registered massage therapist provides it. Most extended health plans cover RMT treatment, ICBC covers it after a car accident, and we direct bill many plans for you.