Massage vs Sports Massage
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a massage vs. sports massage? Well we are going to explain the difference below for you.
Massage therapy helps to relieve discomfort and can help relax the body. It can also help to prevent injury through manipulation of the soft tissue in the body. Massage and sports massage are the two most popular forms of massage and we will explain the difference for you.
what is a massage?
A massage is otherwise referred to as a deep tissue massage and incorporates Swedish massage techniques that target the deeper layers of the muscle and fascia. Deep tissue massage is also great for breaking up scar tissue.
A deep tissue massage usually begins with a gentler touch to warm up the muscles and prepare them. A gliding pressure is then provided down the muscle fibres’ length and across the muscle’s grain. Many people book in for a massage to relieve cramps, pains, stiffness and tension or just because they enjoy a strong pressure type of massage.
Sometimes a therapist may use their fingertips, knuckles and hands as well as elbows and arms during a deep tissue massage in order to reach the deeper tissues.
The advantages of a deep tissue massage include:
- Reduces stress,
- Reduces muscle pain and tension.
- Reduces blood pressure and heart rate.
- Reduces arthritic symptoms by breaking up scar tissue and making mobility simpler.
- Rehabilitates muscles that have been damaged.
what is a sports massage?
When you compare massage vs sports massage, the differences can be listed. Focusing on sports massage, it is usually a combination of deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. It is usually used on athletes to loosen up muscles after a hard workout, however anyone can benefit from a sports massage treatment.
A sports massage usually includes a fast-paced massage, stretching and other muscle manipulation techniques. Massage is commonly used to release tension but it can also be used to warmup for manipulative treatments of the spine or joints.
The advantages of a sports massage include:
- Reduces muscle tension, soreness, and discomfort.
- Improves performance due to increased range of motion.
- Reduces muscle stiffness and pain.
- Reduces post-injury healing time.
- Aids in the quantity and quality of sleep.
- Relieves headaches.