Deep tissue massage helps to stretch out muscle fibres and improve blood flow. The aim is to move steadily through muscle layers and fascia, which is connective tissue found throughout the body. Deep tissue massage involves slow, deliberate, strokes with direct pressure and friction movements to release adhesions and improve tissue flexibility.  It can also provide an excellent way to prepare the dog for more focused rehabilitation work, allowing for further deeper massage within muscles.

This form of massage is particularly beneficial for dogs with global hypertonia, where muscles are tight and have too much resting tone. Many older, sore, dogs find this form of massage very relaxing. Anxious dogs may also find it very beneficial due to the repetitive strokes and continuous pressure.