So you've got muscle aches and pains? Your body is telling you it is in need of a massage...But exactly what massage does it need?!
Figuring out the best massage for your body and needs can seem a bit confusing and overwhelming, especially as there are so many types, from Sports Massage to Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Thai Massage and more....
But as always, here at Medissage we have your back, and have put together this blog to help you understand the difference between two popular choices of massage therapy when it comes to dealing with aches, pains and spasms.
Both Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage use techniques focused on addressing muscular and soft tissue dysfunction. However each treatment is geared towards specific issues and specific clients, and so the techniques used differ in type of technique, and application method.
Many people find themselves going for a Sports Massage, as that as what they assume is the massage treatment that will help them with muscle issues and pain; however more often than not, a Deep Tissue Massage would actually be the most appropriate treatment to address their needs using the techniques that their body would respond to the best.
IN A NUTSHELL...
Sports Massage is for the sports person/athlete. It is tailored for individuals who are looking to perform at their best in their chosen sports/activities.
Deep Tissue Massage is for the person that is dealing with muscle pain, tension, spasms etc. related to every day activities, movement patterns, postural habits, illnesses, surgeries and/or old injuries such as car accidents.
Both types of treatment use deep techniques, however Sports Massage is typically more vigorous and intense, which for the average person may be too much for their body and muscles to handle, whereas a sports persons muscles (who have been conditioned through rigorous training and exertion) would be able to deal with and respond appropriately to the stimulus. In regards to the Deep Tissue Massage, although being able to access into the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, the techniques are typically applied using slow and sustained pressure, in order to "sink" into the muscle and fascia layers. This approach makes the treatment much more tolerable for muscles which are already strained, sore, aggravated etc. and thus makes the treatment the most appropriate option for most people.
These different approaches are all related to the different mechanoreceptors within the myofascial tissues of the body (but we won't bore you too much with all the science!).
At Medissage we provide Deep Tissue Massage as part of our Medi Massage treatment, incorporated with techniques like Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release. Find out more about our Medi Massage here. We also provide Sports Massage for all of your sports performance and recovery needs. Find out more about our Sports Massage here.
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