Do Deep Tissue Massages Get Rid of Knots? The Truth from The Mark of Massage

At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, deep tissue massage has been one of my primary therapeutic tools since 2004—specifically designed to target and address those stubborn “knots” (medically known as myofascial trigger points or adhesions) that cause chronic tension, pain, limited mobility, and referred discomfort. The short answer: Yes, deep tissue massage is highly effective at helping to release or significantly reduce muscle knots for most people, often providing noticeable relief where lighter techniques fall short.

How Deep Tissue Massage Works on Knots

Muscle knots aren’t literal “tangles” like string—they’re areas of hyper-contracted muscle fibers and fascia (connective tissue) that form tight bands, often due to overuse, poor posture, stress, injury, or repetitive strain (common in active Colorado lifestyles like hiking or desk work). These bands restrict blood flow, trap metabolic waste, and create pain—both local and referred (e.g., a knot in your shoulder causing headaches).

Deep tissue massage addresses them through:

•  Slow, deliberate strokes and sustained firm pressure (using fingers, thumbs, forearms, or elbows) that penetrate deeper muscle layers.

•  Breaking down adhesions (scar tissue or “stuck” fibers) and deactivating trigger points by applying direct, focused pressure to the knot.

•  Increasing blood flow and circulation to deliver oxygen/nutrients, flush waste (like lactic acid), reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

•  Realigning muscle fibers and restoring normal pliability, which helps the knot “release” over time.

Many clients feel immediate easing in the session (that classic “good hurt” where the knot softens), with further improvement in the following days as soreness fades. Studies and clinical experience show it reduces trigger point tenderness, improves range of motion, and lowers pain—often comparable to or better than some pain meds for chronic issues.

Realistic Expectations: It Doesn’t Always “Erase” Them in One Go

While deep tissue is one of the best hands-on methods for knots (often more effective than Swedish or general relaxation massage), results vary:

•  Mild or newer knots may release significantly or fully in 1–2 sessions.

•  Chronic, deep, or longstanding knots (built up over years) usually require multiple sessions (e.g., weekly/bi-weekly initially, then tapering to monthly maintenance) for lasting relief.

•  Some knots are stubborn due to ongoing causes (poor ergonomics, stress, dehydration, or posture)—massage helps break the cycle, but lifestyle tweaks (stretching, hydration, exercise) make it stick.

•  In rare cases, very deep or fibrotic knots may need complementary approaches (e.g., trigger point therapy, dry needling, or PT), but deep tissue often gets substantial progress.

Post-session, expect normal soreness (like after a workout) for 1–3 days—that’s your body repairing and adapting. Hydrate, rest, and move gently to speed recovery.

Why Clients Love It for Knots at The Mark of Massage

With my expertise in deep tissue, trigger point work, and structural integration, I focus on finding and releasing those exact problem spots—whether in your back, neck, shoulders, hips, or legs. Sessions are customized: we start gradually, communicate pressure throughout, and blend techniques for the best results. Whether in-home (mobile within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or in my private lower-level space (fully secluded, occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room), the goal is real, targeted relief.

If you’re dealing with persistent knots causing pain or tightness, deep tissue is often the game-changer. Ready to tackle them? Book today—let’s get those knots released and you moving freely again!

Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 health and industry resources):

•  Healthline: Deep tissue breaks up scar tissue/adhesions, reduces tension in muscles/tissues (https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage)

•  WebMD: Targets adhesions/knots, relieves chronic tension and trigger points (https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/is-deep-tissue-good-for-you)

•  Kaizen Health Group & Spa Del Rio: Highly effective for relieving and releasing muscle knots through targeted pressure (https://kaizenhealthgroup.com/; https://www.spadelrio.com/say-goodbye-to-muscle-knots-how-deep-tissue-massage-helps)

•  PubMed/PMC Studies: Deep tissue reduces trigger point tenderness, improves ROM and pain in myofascial conditions (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36645811/; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12140169/)

•  Cleveland Clinic: Massage (including deep pressure) helps reduce muscle knots through myofascial release (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-muscle-knots-and-how-do-i-get-rid-of-them)

Your relief is my priority—hope to help untangle those knots soon at The Mark of Massage! 😊