Veteran spa goers become familiar with which muscle groups of their bodies are most likely to become overtaxed with stress. They sometimes choose a deep-tissue massage for more focused treatment of those muscle groups.

When muscles are stressed, the absorption of oxygen and nutrients is blocked, which can lead to inflammation. Scientific research increasingly points to elevated levels of inflammation as a culprit in many diseases and conditions of the body.

The therapist’s goal in deep-tissue massage is to release the muscle fibers and send pent-up tension and toxins on their way. The elimination of these toxins is the reason you’re encouraged to drink plenty of water after a massage, and particularly after a deep-tissue massage.