Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Remedial Massage: What’s the difference and benefits

When going to book a massage it can become confusing to know exactly what you need. You will have seen terms like sports massage, deep tissue massage and remedial massage before and if you are not familiar with them it can be difficult to know exactly what is best for you. In this blog, we’ll explain what each type of massage involves, who it’s best suited for, and how to decide which one is right for you.

The Background to Massage

Massage is not a recent phenomenon with the earliest recordings of massage being found in Ancient China around 3000 BCE. It has since been seen all over the world in history from the Greek and Romans using massage as a relaxation for the rich and a recovery tool for their soldiers in battle, to India where they first used oils and herbal treatments with massage for healing and wellbeing. The modern massage we see today was largely shaped in the 19th Century by Swedish physiologist Per Henrik Ling, who invented and popularised Swedish Massage. We still use many of the same techniques today.

What Is Sports Massage?

Despite the name, sports massage is not just for people who are athletes.

Although it is a popular treatment for runners, gym-goers and sports people alike, you do not need to do any of this to get a sports massage. Actually, it can be very beneficial to anyone.

Sports massage is a hands-on manual therapy treatment that focuses on improving the health of your muscles and soft tissues. It can help relieve tension, improve flexibility and support recovery after exercise or an injury.

Every sports massage session will be tailored to you. Your clinician will do a quick assessment to find out what is causing your discomfort before treating the muscles that need the most attention, rather than simply following a routine. This means that whether you have a specific issue or just some general aches and pain sports massage can be a great fit of getting to the problem.

Sports massage can help with:

• Muscle tightness and stiffness
• Sports injuries and recovery
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Lower back discomfort
• Reduced flexibility
• Muscle soreness after exercise

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is actually more of a massage technique, rather than a specific type of treatment.

Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure to work into the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It’s particularly effective when muscles have become tight over a long time or when there are knots that will not go away.

Some people think that deep tissue massage will be painful and that it must be to work. However, that’s a common misconception. During a soft tissue massage, you might feel some low-level discomfort in particularly tight areas, treatment should always be manageable. Your clinician will always make sure they communicate what they are doing and ask for feedback to ensure the treatment comfortable.

Some things that Deep Tissue Massage can help with are:

• Long-term muscle tension
• Tight shoulders and neck
• Back pain
• Tight hips and legs
• General stiffness and reduced movement

What Is Remedial Massage?

Remedial massage takes a more clinical approach.

Rather than focusing purely on tight muscles, the aim is to identify why you’re experiencing pain or restricted movement in the first place.

Your therapist will assess how you’re moving, identify the muscles or structures contributing to the problem, and then choose the most appropriate treatment techniques. These might include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, stretching or other forms of soft tissue treatment.

Because it’s tailored to the individual, no two remedial massage appointments are exactly the same.

It’s commonly recommended for people recovering from injuries, managing persistent pain or trying to improve movement after a period of stiffness.

So, What’s the Difference?

There’s actually quite a lot of overlap between these treatments, which is why the terminology can sometimes be confusing.

The simplest way to think about it is this:

• Sports massage focuses on helping muscles perform, recover and function at their best
• Deep tissue massage is a technique used to release deeper muscle tension
• Remedial massage is a treatment approach that starts with an assessment and aims to address the underlying cause of pain or dysfunction

In practice, an experienced therapist will often use elements of all three during the same appointment. For example, a sports massage session may include deep tissue techniques, while a remedial massage might involve sports massage methods alongside stretching and mobility work.

The treatment should always be based on what you need, rather than simply the name of the massage.

Which Massage Is Right for You?

If your muscles feel tight after exercise or you’re looking to improve recovery and reduce the risk of injury, sports massage is often a great choice.

If you’ve been carrying tension for months and have stubborn knots that don’t seem to ease, deep tissue massage may be the most effective option.

If you’re dealing with ongoing pain, recovering from an injury or aren’t quite sure what’s causing your symptoms, remedial massage offers a more thorough assessment and targeted treatment.

If you’re still unsure, don’t worry – that’s what your therapist is there for. A good assessment will help identify the cause of your symptoms and ensure you’re receiving the treatment that’s most likely to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to play sport to have a sports massage?

Not at all. In fact, many people who book a sports massage don’t play sport regularly. Office workers, parents, gardeners, tradespeople and anyone dealing with muscle tension can all benefit.

Is deep tissue massage painful?

It can feel intense at times, especially if your muscles are particularly tight, but it shouldn’t be unbearable. Your therapist should always adjust the pressure to suit your comfort.

Is remedial massage better than sports massage?

Neither is better – they simply have different purposes. The right treatment depends on your symptoms and what you’re hoping to achieve.

How often should I have a massage?

That varies from person to person. Some people book regular maintenance treatments every few weeks, while others only come in when they’re recovering from an injury or experiencing a flare-up of pain. Your therapist can advise what’s most appropriate for you.

Sports massage, deep tissue massage and remedial massage all have their place, and they’re often more closely linked than people realise.

Rather than thinking about which one is “best”, it’s more useful to think about what you’re trying to achieve. Whether your goal is recovering from exercise, easing persistent muscle tension or getting to the bottom of ongoing pain, the right treatment should be tailored to your individual needs.

If you’re not sure which type of massage is right for you, we’re always happy to help. We’ll assess your symptoms, explain your options and recommend the treatment that’s most likely to get you moving comfortably again. Book an appointment online.