Deep Tissue Massage is a traditional style of massage which is designed to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress and break down knots. A deep tissue massage can be requested to be a full body massage or focused on lower limbs or upper body. This style of massage differs from Sports Massage as it focuses on all area of the body instead of a particular injury.
Tension from work and physical lifestyles can create intensive tightness within different parts of your body which are why a firm deep tissue massage can alleviate the pain bringing your muscles back to equilibrium. Other benefits include; lymphatic drainage which can boost your immune system and reduce toxins in your body, reduce back pain, break down scar tissue, helps Arthritis pain and increases flexibility.
Having a deep tissue massage depends on the level of tension you’re placing on your body. Some people can benefit from a DTM on a weekly basis, others monthly. It is best to assess your situation and figure out how many treatments you require over a span of time. You may also ask for professional advice from your practitioner.
The first thing to bear in mind is that deep tissue massage is used for therapy and rehabilitation, not only relaxation. So you need to be prepared to feel some discomfort during a DTM and even after. You will most probably lie on your stomach or back while the massage therapist applies various degrees of pressure on tight muscles that have issues and are lying dormant in your body.
Deep Tissue Massage is generally used for maintenance after stress from work or fitness. For this type of treatment, the expert analysis would not be necessary to do. The practitioner aims to provide DTM in all areas of the back however the patient may like more time on a specific area. DTM techniques may differ from Sports Massage techniques. Your expert SMSM Therapist will use effleurage, petrissage, and trigger point release to improve function.
A Sports Massage uses various techniques to improve the integrity of the injured muscle, tendon or ligament. Expert analysis is performed before carrying out the sports massage so that the practitioner completely understands the injury. Your SMSM Therapist may use techniques such as Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Soft Tissue Release (STR) which is being advanced sports massage techniques to speed up your recovery process. Due to the different techniques and massaging styles, the therapist may ask you to regularly change position to accommodate the treatment.
| Key Differences | Sports Massage | DTM |
| High Pressure | ||
| General Maintenance | x | |
| Relaxes muscles | ||
| Greater Muscle Flexibility | x | |
| Stress Relief | x | |
| Re-establishes muscle strength | x |
