Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage or Remedial Massage ??

Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage or Remedial Massage are terms normally differentiate Swedish Massage routines, which are primarily used for relaxation.

Generally all three massage techniques focus on problem muscles or areas of the body.   Arguably they’re interchangeable and all can use more pressure and work the deeper muscles, not just the skin and superficial layers of muscle like Swedish massage.

 

 

Remedial Massage

Quite an old term not often used anymore but literally means a ‘curing massage’ and would be used to remove pain and tension from muscles.  Techniques used in a remedial massage would include: Neural Muscular Technique. Positional Release, Muscle Energy Techniques – very similar to Deep Tissue.

 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is an ‘updated’ name for Remedial Massage but the principle is the same. More focus on problem areas.  Techniques such as:

• Myofascial Release
• Neuromuscular Technique
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Soft Tissue Release
• Strain-Counter Strain or
• Positional-Release

are all trying to do the same thing: reduce pain and improve function.

When treating a specific problem we may use numerous techniques, testing something that works best on that person.  Depending on the problem different things may work great at one time but not the other. OIr work miraculously on one person but not the next.  Identifying the right technique is the most challenging and rewarding part of ‘soft tissue’ treatment.

 

❓ Sports Massage FAQs

Q1: Is sports massage painful?
It can feel firm, but should never be painful. Pressure is always adapted to your comfort level while still relieving tension within muscles

Q2: How often should I get a sports or deep tissue massage?
For general maintenance, every 3–4 weeks is ideal. For recovery from injury or high training load, more frequent sessions may be beneficial.

Q3: What’s the difference between deep tissue and relaxation massage?
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia to relieve long-term tension. It’s more therapeutic and results-driven than a relaxation massage.

Q4: Where is your clinic located?
We’re in central Marlow, on the High Street, with 1hr free parking available. Easily accessible from nearby towns and villages of Bourne End, Lane End, Stokenchurch, Flackwell Heath, Maidenhead, Henley, Cookham, Frieth and High Wycombe.

You don’t have to be an athlete to have a sports massage!  Sports massage compliments the muscles own circulatory (blood & lymph) system by assisting in the removal of waste products and supporting the supply of nutrients to muscles.  This is useful if you’ve just ran a marathon or been sat at a desk for 12 hours to meet a deadline!

Sports massage can also be divided into:

Pre-event massage tends to use techniques which are faster with lighter pressures:  designed to be stimulatory but without provoking an inflammatory response.

Post-event massage involves slower and deeper techniques which are designed to aid fluid absorption and help stretch muscles and joints.  We primarily use sports massage techniques when working at events pre & post races

Appointments

Each session is tailored to your needs — from deep tissue pressure to gentle remedial therapy.

✅ Relieve muscle pain
✅ Improve flexibility
✅ Boost recovery

📍 Book your first sports massage in Marlow today with an introductory offer from us – £49.99 for your first hour session – here. Appointments within 24hrs are often available with our qualified therapists.

Louise, our Level 5 soft tissue therapist is currently available on Wednesday and Thursday Mornings. To book online please click here