Massage helps the body and mind unwind and calm down while also acting as therapy for the body by loosening up tight muscles and enhancing mobility through the manipulation of soft tissue. Deep tissue and Sports Massage are two of the most popular types of massage. Even though there are some similarities between the two therapeutic massage types, we’re comparing sports massage to deep tissue to make it easier for you to choose the right massage therapy for you.
Deep Tissue Massage
The goal of deep tissue massage therapy is to relax the entire body by exerting more pressure on the muscles’ deepest layers. The deep tissue massage technique breaks up fascial adhesions and releases small, recent areas of muscular tissue tension (the connective tissue surrounding your bones, muscles, and joints.)
Due to its numerous advantages, patients favor deep tissue massage therapy:
- Muscles are relaxed.
- Decrease in chronic pain
- Lower levels of stress
- Lessening of tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Lower back pain relief and muscle tension relief
Sports Massage
All levels of athletes, including professional, collegiate, and high school athletes, as well as those who regularly work out and lead active lifestyles, can benefit from sports massage. Sports massage therapy is a deep tissue massage that is more concentrated and may target a specific body part. To release tight muscles, increase blood flow, and stop lactic acid buildup, it combines deep and light modalities.
Your posture, the physical demands of your particular sport, and previous sports injuries will all be assessed by a qualified massage therapist. Your sports massage therapist can focus on the body parts that have undergone excessive wear and tear or stress as a result of your aggressive and repetitive movements.
In order to improve athletic performance, sports massage techniques apply deep tissue and stretching movements to the muscle-tendon junctions.
- Warm-ups before games and cool-downs after games
- Treat and avert sports injuries
- Increasing adaptability
- Shorter rest periods between games
Deep Tissue Massage VS. Sports Massage
These two types of massage may seem very similar to many people, but depending on your lifestyle, you may find that one is more beneficial than the other.
The sports massage technique, in contrast to deep tissue massage, primarily focuses on older and larger areas of built-up tension as well as the areas most susceptible to stress or injury. For instance, baseball pitchers might benefit from a shoulder and arm focus, while runners might need to focus more on their legs.
The primary distinction is that with a deep tissue massage, your entire body is treated to alleviate pain in new areas of your muscles and tissues.
However, both massages use strong pressure that is applied deeply, which could be slightly uncomfortable.
Selecting The Right Service
The following queries to put to your massage therapist can assist you in deciding which of these two services is best for you:
- I used to participate in sports, but it’s been a while. Which massage will help me the most to relax the tightness I still have from playing?
- Is a sports massage required for specific areas or can I get a Deep Tissue Massage that focuses on just one area?
- I recently suffered from whiplash; should I get a sports massage to treat the injury, or am I better off with deep tissue?
Your risk of developing general muscle strains and sprains can be reduced by receiving regular chiropractic and massage therapy. Your massage therapist will be able to respond to any inquiries you may have and assist you in choosing the most appropriate course of action for your particular problems.