Relaxation massage typically uses Swedish massage techniques, lighter pressure, and is not usually used to treat physical discomforts like muscle knots. The therapist generally follows a full-body sequence and does not focus on any one area of the body for too long. Deep tissue/therapeutic massage is used to treat physical maladies causing discomfort, such as muscle knots, myo-fascial adhesions, nerve impingements, and much more. The therapist will use different techniques than they would for a relaxation massage and spend treatment time in specific areas instead of following a full-body sequence. Due to the techniques used, deep tissue/therapeutic massage can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable, but it should not cause a client undue pain or stress. There can be an increased chance of soreness following a deep tissue/therapeutic massage, but the short recovery period should never be debilitating or leave the client feeling worse than they did before the massage. If you feel extreme discomfort following a massage, it is important to let your therapist know so that they can adjust their technique and/or pressure in future treatments.