Deep Tissue Massage / Sports Massage
A deep/sports tissue massage consists of a therapist using firm pressure to work deeper into the muscles of the body compared to that of a therapeutic/relaxing style massage. This style of massage helps to relieve muscular tension, reduce stress, breaks down muscle fibre ‘knots’, helps to eliminate waste products post injury/sport event via increasing blood flow to the muscles and promoting lymphatic drainage away.
A deep tissue massage tends not to focus on a specific injury or one particular area of the body, instead it is administered as a full back massage which can include upper or lower limbs to rid more general tension.
A sports massage differs from a deep tissue massage by being more area-specific. The massage focusses on a more specific body area larger that has older/deeper/denser muscle fibre ‘knots’ which have built up over longer periods of time in the presence of high training volume, trauma, muscle imbalance or poor bio-mechanics. The objective with sports massage is either to aid recovery from injury, prevention of injury, or to assist in restoring optimal muscle function and range of motion.
Your massage therapists will use a range of contacts; fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during your massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on tense areas.
Which is best for me?
If you have a specific site of injury, dysfunction or pain such as a Hamstring or Calf/Achilles then a sports massage would be more appropriate. If you suffer from neck/shoulder tension or low back ache/tension, then a deep tissue would be more effective. If you are unsure then our therapist will go through your case/symptoms and help guide you towards the best suited massage style.
Where are you located ?
For a massage in Bournemouth, we are a short walk form Pokesdown train station, on the main Christchurch road towards Boscombe.
Is a deep tissue massage too painful?
Deep tissue massage can cause some discomfort, moreso for individuals new to deep tissue massage, it should not be outright painful. Our massage therapists check on the pressure and will inform you if they find a particular area that might cause you pain or discomfort during sessions so they can adapt their technique and apply less pressure.
How do I prepare for my first deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage can cause some discomfort, moreso for individuals new to deep tissue massage, it should not be outright painful. Our massage therapists check on the pressure and will inform you if they find a particular area that might cause you pain or discomfort during sessions so they can adapt their technique and apply less pressure.