Should I Book a Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage?
Posted on 28th March 2023
Is your client struggling to decide between a deep tissue massage or a sports massage?
Don't worry, we understand that it can be confusing if they're not sure which one they need. That's why we like to offer an initial consultation to help them make the right decision for their needs.
Let's break down the differences between the two massages.
What is a deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is the foundation of all our treatments. It involves applying firm pressure to the deeper layers of muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. This type of massage is perfect for individuals who don't have any injuries but require deep pressure or have tension areas that need to be addressed.
Deep tissue massage promotes blood flow to the muscle tissue, providing more oxygen and nutrients. However, it can leave you feeling a bit tender or sore afterwards, like after a hard session in the gym.
The techniques used in deep tissue massage are slow and steady, which allows us to target deeper layers of muscle tissue without causing pain. The aim of this massage is to break down adhesions in the tissues, increasing freedom of movement and balance throughout the body.
What is a sports massage?
On the other hand, sports massage therapists require a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and the injuries and dysfunctions that can occur. The primary goal of sports massage is to fix, prevent, and restore the body as efficiently as possible.
At Fire & Earth, we use deep tissue massage as the foundation of our sports massage techniques, adding specific sports techniques that are tailored to the individual. We also use postural assessments to evaluate your progress and determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
Some of the techniques we use in sports massage include postural assessment, stretching techniques such as muscle energy technique (MET) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and trigger point therapy. We may also provide you with exercises to do at home to support the work we've done during your treatment and help you achieve long-term results.
Sports massage can be uncomfortable, but a FEMA-qualified therapist will always work within your pain threshold to ensure your comfort. So, to sum it up, if the client has tension but no actual injury or dysfunction, suggest a deep tissue massage. If they have a problem that they wish to fix, suggest a sports massage. We're here to help clients choose the right massage for their needs during the initial consultation with our therapists.
Ready to become a sports therapist? Book your spot on our course today.
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