What’s the difference between Sports Massage & Deep Tissue Massage?

It is often confusing for people to understand the difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage treatment.

The two are not the same and an individually styled treatment should be structured to your preferences and requirements.

Sports Massage

A deep tissue and remedial technique may well be employed to enhance sports recovery and performance.

Remedial, trigger points, myofascial release and a range of other methods may be used to loosen muscle and create a range of movement at the joints.

Your therapist has a good understanding of the way you use your muscles and joints in your sports and or fitness program. It is our aim to work with your body and assess the biomechanical reasons for the way your body is dealing with the sports and fitness regime you are involved in.

For some people it may even be lifestyle or physical reasons that create certain reactions in the tissues, muscles and joints etc. A specific treatment plan with follow regime will probably be recommended, usually requiring some ‘homework’ to allow you to help your own recovery.

Deep Tissue Massage

This technique aims to re-align internal muscle layers and connective tissue. Tight muscles especially around neck, lumbar, shoulders, hips, legs respond well to this type of treatment.

The massage is designed to relieve rigidity by applying strokes similar to a remedial massage treatment. Deep tissue massage is differentiated by hand movements being slower and deeper and concentrated pressure in certain areas where the muscles are tense and pain stricken.

The movements are precise and work with muscles with persistent tension. Fingers, knuckles, elbows and forearms are all utilised to maximise effect of treatment. As always it is important to drink plenty of water to facilitate the flushing of metabolic waste from the tissues. Focus on your breathing; particularly at the beginning of the massage treatment.

Adhesions in the muscles are kneaded in order to alleviate pain and to assist normal movement to come back. Your massage therapist will apply deep pressure or rubbing across the grain of the muscle. This may feel uncomfortable even perhaps painful as stiffness and uneasiness is dealt with. As with all massage treatments; it is important to communicate to your therapist how the pressure is and if it is within your comfort range.

With the massage treatment your therapist may discuss exercise, stretches, enhancement of posture, mobility development, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, hydration and bathing in salts as appropriate to your particular requirements.

Warmest Regards