Introduction
Massage therapy is a widely used treatment to reduce aches and pains, reduce muscular tension and improve relaxation. There are several types of massage therapy with different methods, techniques, and goals. Two of the most common types of massage is a sports massage and deep tissue massage. Although they may seem the same and have similar techniques they will be used differently depending on your lifestyle and goals.
What is a sports massage?
A sports massage is a targeted type of therapy to reduce the likelihood of injury by reducing soft tissue tension and improving range of motion and short-term flexibility. A sports massage usually uses a wide range of techniques that traditionally had sports-related tension. However, there are many variations such as pre-event sports massage (to prepare the individual for their task, sport, or competition ahead), and post-event sports massage (to improve recovery, aid pain, and reduce tension/stiffness).
Here at Made to Move we use sports massage as a focused approach and not a ’full body massage’ to ensure that the area you specifically want to be treated. Depending on your circumstance, training/exercise goals and injury status your treatment may vary.
What is a deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a variation of massage therapy that incorporates slow deep strokes to target the muscles and connective tissues. Deep tissue therapy can treat pain and stiffness. This type of massage therapy encourages warmth and blood flow to the area and is a great way to reduce physical stress and strains from your daily activity and lifestyle.
What is the key difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage?
Although both types of these massages are similar, the key difference in my opinion is how these are both administered. Whilst sports massage was traditionally focused on athletic individuals, this is now widely accepted in both athletic and nonathletic individuals due to the benefits of reduced tension, increased muscle pliability, focused injury management and rehabilitation.
Both sports massage and deep tissue massage use similar techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, and percussion. Those who take part in physical activity and exercise may find a sports massage more beneficial than a traditional deep tissue massage. Whereas those that don’t take part in physical activity and sports may find deep tissue less intense and more relaxing.
Take-Home Message
Understanding what it is you are trying to achieve whether it is to soothe aching muscles, promote recovery from an injury or relax. A sports massage will be more focused on a specific area(s) whereas a deep tissue massage may be more generalised (depending on the session goal).
Do you feel stiff, sore, achy or in pain? Perhaps you are curious about a sports massage but never had one?
Because you made it this far, we are offering 15% off all sports massages when you implement the word “MASSAGE” at the checkout of our booking calendar.
CLICK HERE to receive 15% off your next sports massage with us.