Los Angeles's Choice for
Advanced Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
Looking for a good Deep Tissue Massage? Your trusted local massage studio in LA is Here. We specialize in unique deep-tissue massage techniques: Neuromuscular Therapy and Sports Massage, designed to alleviate pain, enhance athletic performance, and promote overall wellness.
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What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue (fascia) to address persistent tension, pain, and movement restrictions.
The technique uses slow, firm strokes and deep pressure to target deep-seated tension and reach the sublayers of muscle and fascia. This is achieved by using knuckles, fists, thumbs, fingers, or elbows to apply controlled pressure to the muscles and surrounding connective tissue.
Effective deep tissue massage is not defined by how hard or how deep a therapist presses, but by how pressure is applied and how the body responds. Current evidence indicates that the benefits of deep tissue work derive from a combination of mechanical input and nervous system response, rather than from force alone.
Core Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage may help:
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Improve mobility and range of motion
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Support postural balance and joint mechanics
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Enhance recovery from physical stress
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Calm nervous system overload
Deep Tissue Massage for Trigger Points
Neuromuscular Therapy is a precision-based form of deep tissue massage that focuses on identifying and addressing myofascial trigger points, localized areas of heightened sensitivity that can cause pain locally or refer symptoms elsewhere.
This approach is designed for people experiencing persistent pain, tightness, or nerve-related discomfort.
How Neuromuscular Therapy Works
Rather than attempting to “break up knots,” this method works by influencing how the nervous system regulates muscle tone. Carefully applied pressure stimulates sensory receptors, which can temporarily reduce chronic pain signals and allow guarded muscles to relax.
This process helps:
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Decrease protective muscle guarding
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Improve communication between the muscle and the nervous system
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Restore healthier resting muscle tone
Pressure remains within a therapeutic, controlled range, often described as a “good hurt,” never aggressive.
Common reasons clients choose this approach include:
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Low back pain
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Headache-related muscular tension
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Referred pain or nerve irritation
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Repetitive-strain discomfort
Jesse Anoraj, certified massage therapist in Los Angeles, uses advanced neuromuscular techniques to identify and treat trigger points near nerve junctions.
.By applying precise, controlled pressure, sessions aim to restore normal muscle and nerve function, relieve pain, and improve overall tissue health.
This approach is especially effective for chronic pain, stiff neck and shoulders, back pain, and nerve-related tension.
Let me help you reduce pain and tightness so you can move more comfortably
Deep Tissue Massage for Athletes
and Active Individuals
Sports Massage applies deep-tissue techniques across the entire myofascial and movement systems rather than isolated muscles. The goal is to help the body adapt to physical load, recover efficiently, and maintain tissue resilience.
This deep tissue approach is designed for movement, recovery, and performance longevity.
Benefits of Sports
Deep Tissue Massage
In active bodies, sports-focused deep tissue massage helps address:
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Fascial stiffness from repeated loading can limit mobility over time
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Restricted glide between muscle and connective tissue layers, allowing movement to feel smoother and less restricted
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Accumulated metabolic stress from training or physically demanding work, supporting recovery and reducing post-activity soreness
Mechanical input, such as compression, stretching, and movement-based techniques, helps stimulate the adaptability of connective tissue. Fascia responds by becoming more fluid and elastic, supporting improved movement and recovery over time.
This approach may include:
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Broad fascial work
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Assisted stretching
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Joint decompression
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Movement-integrated pressure
Common reasons clients choose this approach include:
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Post-workout or post-event recovery
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Muscle fatigue and soreness
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Limited flexibility or mobility
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Injury prevention and maintenance
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Physically demanding work or training schedules
Our Advanced Deep Tissue Massage Approach
At Artisan BodywoRx, “deep” does not mean aggressive.
Effective deep tissue massage is defined by the specificity of touch and precise angles of entry, not by pressure force. Drawing on advanced neuromuscular training, our approach emphasizes greater tissue engagement, lower force, and improved body mechanics.
By skillfully palpating bony landmarks and taut tissue using fingers, thumbs, and elbows, we identify areas of heightened sensitivity often experienced as “knots.” Applying the appropriate entry angle creates a sensation of deep pressure without unnecessary compression. This allows the body to respond more effectively, often resulting in less discomfort during the session and better long-term results.
By blending Neuromuscular Therapy and Sports Massage principles, we create deep pressure that feels effective yet tolerable, often resulting in less post-session soreness and better long-term outcomes.
Same Depth — Different Intent
Both approaches use deep tissue principles:
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Slow, intentional pressure
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Respect for tissue response
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Nervous-system awareness
What changes is why and how the pressure is applied.
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Trigger point–focused deep tissue aims to calm pain-driven muscle guarding
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Sports-focused deep tissue aims to improve tissue adaptability, recovery, and movement efficiency
Your session is always guided by your goals, your body’s response, and clear communication not a fixed routine.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Effective Without Pain
Deep tissue massage does not need to hurt to work.
The outdated “no pain, no gain” mindset doesn’t reflect how the nervous system and connective tissue respond to touch. Effective deep tissue work should feel helpful, safe, and purposeful, not overwhelming.
Mild skin soreness after a session can be normal, especially in areas of long-standing tension. During the session, pressure should never exceed a “good hurt.” Clear communication is always encouraged.
Because deep tissue massage works best when pressure is applied with intention and precision, discomfort is never the goal, and pain is not required for results.
Conditions Commonly Addressed
Deep tissue massage may be part of a care plan for:
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Chronic low back pain
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Neck and shoulder tension
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Sciatica-like symptoms
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Fibromyalgia-related muscle sensitivity
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Plantar fasciitis
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Tennis elbow and repetitive-use strain
The Role of “Good Pain”
Many people describe deep tissue massage as involving a sensation known as “good pain” or “good hurt.” This isn’t about force, but about how the nervous system responds to pressure.
Firm, focused touch activates A-beta fibers, which help reduce dull, achy pain signals carried by C-fibers. When pressure is applied precisely, it can also activate A-delta fibers, producing a sharp, well-defined sensation that differs from light touch.
When these signals are balanced, the nervous system shifts how it processes pain, allowing muscles to relax and tension to ease without overwhelming the tissue. That’s why effective deep tissue work feels intense but safe, never aggressive.
Deep Tissue Massage: A Proven Therapy for
Chronic Low Back Pain
Deep Tissue Massage Research-Backed Benefits
Recent groundbreaking research in the field of massage therapy has brought to light the remarkable efficacy of deep tissue massage (DTM) in managing chronic low back pain. This study, a rigorously designed controlled randomized trial, provides compelling evidence supporting DTM as a powerful therapeutic tool.
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Key Findings:
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Significant Pain Reduction: Patients who underwent deep tissue massage reported a notable decrease in pain levels. This was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale, where a significant reduction in pain scores was observed in the treatment group.
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Improved Functionality: Alongside pain reduction, improvements in function were noted as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index and the Roland-Morris questionnaire.
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Comparable to NSAIDs: Interestingly, the study found that deep tissue massage alone was as effective in reducing pain as when it was combined with NSAID therapy. This suggests that DTM can be a standalone treatment for low back pain
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Reference:
Majchrzycki, M., Kocur, P., & Kotwicki, T. (2014). Deep tissue massage and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain: a prospective randomized trial. TheScientificWorldJournal, 2014, 287597. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/287597
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Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy
for Neck Pain
A large clinical trial with over 600 participants found that deep tissue massage, exercise therapy, and a combination of both led to better short-term pain relief and improved recovery for people with neck pain compared to just being told to "stay active."
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Deep tissue Massage and combined therapy showed significant improvement in neck pain intensity within the first 7–12 weeks.
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Exercise alone had stronger benefits at 26 weeks.
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All active treatments led to a better perceived recovery than advice alone, both in the short and long term.
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🧠What this means for you: Combining neck pain massage with guided movement and education can provide real relief and improve your outlook, especially when working with a skilled therapist who tailors the treatment to your needs.
Reference:
Skillgate, Eva et al. “Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. The Stockholm Neck (STONE) randomized controlled trial.” Musculoskeletal science & practice vol. 45 (2020): 102070. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2019.102070
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: Effects on Muscle Recovery and Performance in Athletes
A recent randomized controlled trial found that Deep Tissue Massage (DTM) significantly improved muscle recovery, flexibility, and overall performance in athletes over 8 weeks of bi-weekly 40-minute sessions. Team-sport and strength athletes showed the most significant gains. The findings confirmed that consistent sessions improve:
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Muscle Recovery – Reduced post-exercise soreness and faster healing
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Performance – Better strength and endurance outcomes
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Flexibility – Enhanced joint and muscle range of motion​
Researchers observed that deep tissue massage improves circulation, reduces metabolic waste, and stimulates receptors in muscles and tendons (Golgi tendon organs) that encourage relaxation and better movement control.
Reference:
Arsovski D. (2025). Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: Effects on Muscle Recovery and Performance in Athletes. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 18(2), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v18i2.1139
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"Deep tissue massage questions? Our expert has the answers."
What Happens When You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
During a deep tissue massage, the therapist works on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release tension, relax, lengthen, and alleviate holding patterns in the body. This is achieved through techniques that emphasize working deeply with the tissue, not just on it. The massage aims to understand and work with the body's layers in an effective and energy-efficient manner
What is Deep Massage Best For?
Deep tissue massage is best for alleviating pain, improving posture, enhancing flexibility, and promoting fluid movement. It is particularly beneficial for addressing patient-specific issues such as chronic pain, muscle tension, and stress-related conditions. The techniques are tailored to individual needs, focusing on areas of tension and restriction
How Painful is a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage should not be inherently painful. Pain often results from working too quickly rather than the depth or amount of pressure. Adjusting the speed of strokes while maintaining pressure can alleviate discomfort. A key principle is to avoid knowingly imposing pain on a client, and therapists should respond to the client’s reactions to ensure the massage remains within a comfortable threshold
What Does a Deep Massage Consist Of?
A deep massage consists of techniques that work on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It involves using slower strokes, minimal oil, and techniques like oblique pressure to avoid direct pressure on bones. The massage focuses on lengthening tissue, working tendinous insertions of muscles, and carefully addressing areas of tension and restriction
When Should You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
You should consider getting a deep tissue massage when experiencing chronic pain, muscle tension, or stiffness, or to aid in recovery from physical activity. It's also beneficial for improving posture and flexibility. Individuals seeking relief from stress and its physical manifestations may also find deep tissue massage helpful​
Deep Tissue Massage for Pain Management
Deep tissue massage can be an effective tool for pain management. It helps in releasing deep-seated muscle tension and knots feeling, which can alleviate pain. The technique's focus on lengthening muscle tissue and releasing holding patterns can lead to significant pain relief, particularly for chronic conditions.
When Should Deep Tissue Massage Be Avoided?
Deep tissue massage should be avoided in cases where there is a risk of injury to nerves or circulation, or in areas of acute inflammation or infection. It's also not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, or in cases where massage could exacerbate existing health issues
Deep Tissue Massage Emotional Release
Deep tissue massage can induce a state of deep relaxation and psychological well-being. It's often calming and can have a sedative effect, beneficial for emotional release and stress reduction​
What forms of Payment do you accept?
We accept most forms of payment. Cash
Payment Apps (Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, Googel Pay)
Debit/Credit Cards
FSA HSA Cards*
Insurance / Super Bills / HSA & FSA / Reimbursement
Insurance: Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance. However, if you have a referral from your doctor, we are able to create a receipt (Super Bill) that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
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Super Bills: Clients must have a referral from a doctor. Both diagnosis codes and referral notes are required to produce a Super Bill Receipt for the client. Clients must pay the full cost of service upfront and seek reimbursement afterward.
This Super Bill Receipt will be e-mailed to the client by the end of the day. Clients are required to submit their bills to their insurance. Artisan Bodyworx will NOT submit them on a client's behalf. Reimbursement by insurance is not guaranteed.
HSA and FSA: We do accept HSA and FSA cards. If for any reason yours fails to work in our reader, many companies will reimburse you with a basic receipt of a medical massage (not a super bill). Please, always have a second method of payment prepared in case HSA fails to run, be it due to a glitch in the reader or lack of funds.
Best Deep Tissue Massage in Los Angeles:
Our Convenient Location and Address
Artisan Neuromuscular & Sports Massage Therapy
8000 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046
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