Sports Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage

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Sports Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage

This article looks at the differences between Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Massage-two of the treatments offered at Liberty Health and Happiness as part of our comprehensive Sports and Remedial Massage Service.

Massage has been used for therapeutic purposes throughout human history. Images of massage therapy appear in Egyptian tomb paintings dating as far back as 2500 BC and there is evidence of massage therapy in ancient China and Egypt as well.

Massage therapy has a long history for good reason; massage feels great and it can help some ailments, from pregnancy discomfort to poor circulation, sore muscles and stress. Most people will agree that massages are relaxing and soothing, and it would seem that our ancestors seemingly shared the therapeutic benefits of massage we enjoy today:

Less muscle stiffness
Better quality of sleep
Faster recovery from injury
Improved mood
Strengthened immune system
Less soreness and discomfort
Increased feeling of well-being

There are multiple types of massage, many of which are designed purely to help you unwind mentally and aid in relaxation, but if you’re looking for a massage technique that provides a more targeted approach to specific health concerns, you may like to consider sports massage and deep tissue massage.

What’s the difference between sports massage and deep tissue massage?

Let’s look at sports massage first. Sports massage is a targeted therapy aiming to boost your athletic performance, improve circulation and flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and accelerate your recovery from vigorous exercise.

Sports massage can also be used remedially, to help you recover from injuries like muscle strain. Sports massage therapists often have expertise in athletic training and injury prevention, so if you’re passionate about your sport and athletic performance, contact us to see how we can best support you with sports massage targeted to your specific needs.

One of the characteristics of this massage style is it can involve vigorous techniques to focus on the specific muscle groups used in sporting activities, so, if you’re looking solely for a peaceful and relaxing experience, sports massage may not be the most suitable choice.

Another remedial style of massage, deep tissue massage targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It’s a little more intense than other massage styles that focus purely on relaxation, such as Swedish massage.

Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure and long slow movements to target the inner layers of muscle and connective tissue. This technique helps to release knots and alleviate muscle tension from day-to-day activities such as sitting at a desk for long periods or sleeping awkwardly.

Deep tissue massage can also help with common conditions such as:

Tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Anxiety and stress
Mobility and postural issues
Fibromyalgia

If you have Osteoporosis or any concerns around bone density, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for you as the strong pressure could cause injury. If you think sports massage or deep tissue massage could help you get you feeling your best, please contact us to talk about the best treatment options for you.

Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Liberty Health and Happiness can consult with you to confirm if this treatment is right for you.