What is the difference between sports massage and deep tissue?
Firstly, it’s easier to talk about the similarities because sports massage and deep tissue use similar strokes, including kneading, circular movements, tapping and vibrations. Sports massage uses similar methods of manipulating the skin, but is more focused on sports-related areas of pain.
Massage is an integral part of the new athletic regimen, but what’s important is that you get the right massage for your needs rather than specifically being hung up on booking a sports massage. Essential Feeling are highly qualified in a number of techniques that they’ll combine to design a specific programme that enhances your performance by looking at your needs as an individual.
The muscle system is a key part of a quality massage therapist’s training and so they understand what’s the right bodywork for your physical issues and personal goals.
Sports massage is a category of massage therapy that applies deep tissue techniques and soft tissue release, meaning that it uses deep pressure to break down your sticky muscle fibres so they can reheal.
Sports massage simply works on your problem areas. Deep tissue massage concentrates on the area and those surrounding it because it treats your body as a complete entity where one muscle connects to the next.
As Essential Feeling offers a wide range of massage services, and we charge by the hour, rather than the type of massage, you don’t need to get hung up on the different styles. When you come to us, you’ll know that you will receive a massage that will sort out your issues.
Charlie Botha ITEC
Your ITEC qualified massage therapist
massage
Questions & Answers
What do they do in a sports massage?
Sports massage therapist will use techniques associated with deep tissue work and tie this in with their understanding of the science of sports massage in order to
target muscle release and will help improve your flexibility, reduce pain and increase your range of motion.
It’s important to understand that any massage which deals with muscles and injuries isn’t a spa session. We’re going to expect you to move around and interact with your massage therapist so that we can get the most out of your session.
What sports is this good for?
Any athletes can benefit from a good massage. Runners, cyclists (triathletes), boxers and gym bunnies are all part of our client base, but honestly, if you’re exercising, you should incorporate massage into your schedule to maintain your wellness.
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What are the benefits of a sports massage?*Sports injury prevention and healing
*Muscle system enhancement
*Eases the effects of repetitive muscle use
*Therapy help athletes to perform
*Soft tissue injuries dealt with
*Relaxes and loosens muscles of athletes of all skill levels
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Do I need a sports massage?
If you’re active people, even if you don’t consider yourself an athlete, then a massage is a great idea, however the type very much depends on where you are within your training cycle. We’d always recommend incorporating a massage into your training schedule because it helps you to heal, train harder, and prevent injury.
If you’re completely new to massage, then don’t expect to have any deep tissue work down any closer to a big event than a few weeks.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from a pre-race rubdown in the seven to two-day window prior to an event, but the pressure will vary.
If you have a massage within 48 hours of your event, then you risk going into it feeling sore. After your event, you can have a massage anything from a few hours post to 48 hours to speed up your muscle recovery.
We can use different massage techniques throughout your season, for example, you could have one style in your season recovery stage, and another in the middle of your training programme to improve your performance.
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Checklist
How should I prepare for my massage?
If you can come on an empty stomach, it will be better. Not only will you be lying face down during your massage, which can be uncomfortable, but also because a massage will slow down your system, including your digestive system, so eating a heavy meal will be uncomfortable.
Also, it’s not recommended to have deep tissue therapy work and then head off to the gym. Let your muscles relax until at least the next day. So schedule your massage when that works out for you.
How long should I book?
This depends on what you need to be done. A one hour massage session is long enough to cover off one area, so if you’re a runner, then we will do your legs. However, have a think about the rest of your body too because when you run, sure your legs are tight, but also you’ll be suffering with tight shoulders, neck, arms and back from where you unwittingly tense during your training.
How will I feel after?
You’ll more than likely feel sore, particularly after your first few trips. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to panic, it’s normal and can even indicate areas that your massage therapist should work on in future. The pain will lift within a few days and after that you’ll often feel like you’re in a new body!
Definition of sports massage is that it’s administered by a trained massage therapist, not a doctor. If you have an injury and you’ve not yet been diagnosed, we’d always recommend taking a trip to your GP.
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