Deep Tissue Massage vs Sports Massage
Massage is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. For a massage to be effective and successful, it must be carefully tailored to the needs of each individual. When thinking about what you want to get out of your massage treatment, it is important to understand the difference between various types of massage, and why you may want to choose or request one type over another.
Some massage techniques tend to be appropriate for individuals looking for overall well-being. These techniques—such as Swedish massage—can generally be grouped together as “relaxation massage”.
Some massage techniques are designed to target specific issues, areas of concern, or even injuries. These techniques—such as sports massage and deep tissue massage—are usually known as “rehabilitation massage”.
Both deep tissue massage and sports massage utilize similar bodywork so understanding the differences between them can be a bit confusing. In this blog, we will identify some of the key differences between these two rehabilitation techniques, and offer some guidance on how to choose the right one for you.
Deep Tissue Massage
During a deep tissue massage, your licensed massage therapist will utilize firm pressure and kneading to loosen, stretch, and relax large muscle groups. Generally speaking, it is a whole body technique, or may focus more specifically on the upper body or lower limbs; however, it is not meant to focus on any one specific area of the body or particular injury.
Deep tissue massage is ideal for:
- Relieving muscular tension
- Stress reduction
- Breaking down knots in large muscle groups
- Reducing the build-up of toxins in the muscles
- Increasing circulation and blood flow to the muscles
Sports Massage
A sports massage is a more targeted type of bodywork, utilizing firm pressure and kneading to address specific areas of concern usually—but not always—associated with injury, high volume training, and tight muscles that impede performance.
Sports massage is ideal for:
- Improving muscle flexibility and range of motion
- Improving power and performance in athletes
- Preventing injury
- Addressing DOMS and decreasing recovery time between workouts
- Improving healing time and recovery from injury
Of course, despite the name, you don’t need to be an athlete for sports massage to be appropriate for you. Sports massage may be appropriate for anyone suffering from a specific muscular injury or problem area that would benefit from a reduction in discomfort and pain and an increase in muscular flexibility and range of motion.
Differences and Similarities in Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Massage Techniques
As noted, the main difference between sports massage and deep tissue massage is target and focus. For the most part, the techniques used by your massage therapist, therefore, are likely to be similar. Both types of massage involve circular movements, kneading, pressing, tapping, and vibrations to manipulate the targeted musculature.
Because sports massage is more focused on a specific muscle group, it may also involve passive stretching, which is less likely to be beneficial during a more broadly-focused deep tissue massage.
And there is one other way in which sports massage and deep tissue massage are similar: getting results can be uncomfortable! Both techniques require your massage therapist to use pressure to get into the built-up knots, scar tissue, and problem areas deep within large muscle groups. Therefore, regardless of which technique you choose, you should be sure to communicate honestly with your therapist before and during the massage about your concerns and your expectations.
Sports Massage or Deep Tissue Massage: What Should You Choose?
When deciding which type of massage technique to choose—sports massage or deep tissues massage—it can help to identify why you want the massage in the first place. Do you find that your legs frequently get sore after sitting at a desk or walking all day during work? Then a deep tissue massage focusing on your lower body may be appropriate. Do you have a sore hamstring from a recent recreational hike? Then a sports massage may be more appropriate. Asking yourself these types of questions can help narrow down what you want your therapist to focus on.
If you are still unsure, however, the best thing to do is tell that to your therapist! It’s ok to not be quite sure which one is appropriate. Your massage therapist should start your appointment with an in-depth discussion about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, your level (or desired level) of activity and exercise, and any ongoing medical concerns. From here, your licensed massage therapist should be able to develop a treatment plan incorporating the correct massage type to address your unique concerns.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.