Deep Tissue Massage in North Edmonton
Slower, firmer massage for stubborn knots and long standing tension.
Deep tissue massage is a slower, firmer style of registered massage therapy. Instead of light, flowing strokes over the surface, your therapist uses sustained pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and the connective tissue around them.
At our North Edmonton clinic it is done by Registered Massage Therapists who work alongside our chiropractor, so it can be part of a wider plan for back pain, neck pain, sports strain or injury recovery. Covered by most extended health plans, with direct billing.
What deep tissue massage can help with
What makes deep tissue different
A relaxation massage works mostly on the surface muscles. Deep tissue massage slows down and focuses on the specific areas that are tight or guarded, working through the layers until the muscle starts to let go. Your RMT assesses what is actually tight first, rather than giving a general full body rub.
It is often used for tension that has built up over months, such as the neck and shoulders of someone who works at a screen all day, or the lower back of someone who lifts for a living.
Firm should not mean unbearable
Deep tissue work can feel intense in tight spots, but it should never be more than you can comfortably breathe through. You stay in control of the pressure the whole time, so tell your therapist if anything is too much. Some mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common, a bit like after a workout.
Planned together with your chiropractic care
Because our RMTs work in the same clinic as Dr. Ahmed Fayad, DC, deep tissue massage can be coordinated with chiropractic care. Releasing tight muscle helps stiff joints move more freely, and restoring joint movement helps muscles stop guarding. Meet Khaled Al Mawed, RMT, and Meriam Parafina, RMT, on our registered massage therapy page.
Covered by most insurance plans
Most extended health plans in Alberta cover registered massage therapy, and we direct bill 47+ providers, so on covered plans there is often little or nothing to pay up front. If your tension comes from a car accident or a workplace injury, massage may be covered through motor vehicle accident coverage or WCB Alberta instead.
When deep tissue massage is not the right choice
Deep tissue massage is not right for everyone. Before your session, tell your therapist about any recent injury or surgery, blood clots, blood thinning medication, or other health conditions, so the pressure and technique can be adjusted or a different approach used. If you are pregnant, ask about prenatal massage instead.
Frequently asked questions
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
It can feel intense in very tight areas, but it should not be more than you can comfortably breathe through. You control the pressure, and mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common.
Is deep tissue massage covered by insurance?
When it is provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, it is covered by most Alberta extended health plans. We direct bill most major insurers, and no referral is needed.
How is deep tissue massage different from a regular massage?
A relaxation massage uses lighter strokes over the surface muscles. Deep tissue massage is slower and firmer, and focuses on the deeper layers of specific tight or guarded areas.
Book Your Appointment
No referral needed. Direct billing available. Same-week appointments usually open at our North Edmonton clinic.