Deep Tissue Massage in Grand Rapids, MI

Go beyond the surface. Relieve chronic pain, break down scar tissue, and restore mobility with our targeted deep tissue therapy designed for lasting relief.

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Targeted Relief for Chronic Tension

Deep Tissue Massage is often misunderstood as simply a “harder” Swedish massage, but it is actually a distinct therapeutic technique. At Be Balanced Bodywork, we use slow, deliberate strokes and deep finger pressure to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues (fascia).

This modality is not about force; it’s about precision. By following the grain of the muscle, we can release the chronic tension patterns that cause stiffness in the neck, lower back, and shoulders. It is the ideal choice for athletes, those recovering from injury, or anyone suffering from postural issues.

A masseuse performing a deep tissue massage using their forearm to apply pressure to their upper back.
Johaun applying deep tissue pressure on the client's back.

Targeting Deeper Layers of Muscles

What is the Deep Tissue Experience?


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Myofascial Release

Targets the fascia (connective tissue) to “unstick” muscles, improving range of motion and reducing that “tight suit” feeling

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Trigger Point Work

Applies static pressure to specific “knots” (hyperirritable spots) to release referred pain and restore muscle function

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Injury Rehabilitation

Helps break up scar tissue from previous injuries, allowing the muscle to heal properly and regain flexibility

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Deep Pressure

Uses knuckles, elbows, and forearms to reach the sub-layer of muscles that standard massage often misses.

Why Choose Deep Tissue?

Relieve Chronic Pain and Tension


A man getting a deep tissue massage with the masseuse pressing his fingers in his upper back.

Fix "Tech Neck"

Constant looking down at phones and screens creates severe tension in the upper cervical spine. Deep tissue work realigns these muscles to eliminate tension headaches.

A man getting a deep tissue massage with the masseuse pressing his fingers in his upper back.

Enhance Athletic Performance

By increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, this therapy speeds up recovery time between workouts and prevents future injuries

A smiling woman receiving a blissful massage.

Lower Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that a single deep tissue session can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by reducing stress and anxiety hormones

Massages for Every Occasion

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Good Pain vs. Bad Pain

Clients often ask, “Will it hurt?” Communication is key in Deep Tissue Massage. You may feel some discomfort as we work through areas of dense tension, often described as “good pain”—the feeling that a knot is finally releasing.

However, we never want you to brace or hold your breath. Our therapists are trained to work with your nervous system, not against it. We adjust pressure in real-time to ensure the experience remains therapeutic and productive, never overwhelming.

A woman getting a deep tissue massage with the masseuse pressing his forearm on her back.
Close up of hands massaging a customer's back, applying slightly more pressure to get into the deep tissues.

Roots in Ancient Medicine


While the term “Deep Tissue” is modern, the techniques date back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian records depict deep pressure massage for pain relief, and Greek physicians used friction massage to treat athletes in the original Olympic Games.

In the mid-19th century, Canadian doctors developed these ancient practices into a clinical therapy. Today, Deep Tissue Massage is widely recognized by the medical community as an effective treatment for chronic pain and structural misalignment.

Book The Deep Tissue Massage Today

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Stop living with pain. Your chronic tension won’t fix itself. Deep tissue massage is a specialized therapeutic technique designed to target the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues, helping to relieve chronic pain, reduce muscle tension, and enhance overall mobility. Let our experts get to the root of the problem so you can move freely again.

Hear it from our clients!

Our Massage Reviews & Testimonials


Client Testimonial 1
★★★★★

Kayla Morgan


"This morning I had my first real massage. I have been teaching yoga a lot more and just experiencing the normal stress of being a entrepreneur. I felt safe and relaxed for the entire hour. The best hour of self-care that I have had in a long time!

-Thank You Johaun!"

Client Testimonial 2
★★★★★

Bre Gelderloos


"This was my first professional massage. I treated myself for my 41st birthday. It was AMAZING! Very professional and he really worked on the areas that needed more attention. I will be going back.

-Thanks Johaun!"

Client Testimonial 3
★★★★★

Mindy M Wolf


"My hubby & I have had massages from Johaun for two years now:) He's not only a wonderful massage tech but an even more wonderful man:) We adore him and look forward to our visits with him and of course those amazing hands that work deeply on our muscles!"