With any form of therapy there are different schools of thought, different techniques and approaches available. Often the technique used depends on the experience and skill set of the therapist and what they consider to be the most relevant treatment option. In this article we will look at massage therapy and in particular deep tissue or soft tissue.
What is the difference and what is a better solution?
deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage therapy is, as you might imagine, a type of therapy that targets the deep layers of muscle in the body. It works by using slow, firm massage movements that focus pressure much more deeply than classic massage therapy. It works by breaking up adhesions, increasing blood flow and helping to reduce inflammation.
It is particularly effective with those suffering from chronic muscle injuries and those seeking injury rehabilitation. It is a popular technique among sports massages and can help improve performance.
soft tissue massage
Soft tissue massage is a technique that, as you might guess, is less intrusive than deep tissue massage. Instead of focusing on slow, pressured movements to affect the deep layers, soft tissue massage focuses on working with a variety of depths, pressures, and durations.
As massage therapy, it will aim to work with your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and will be very similar to the techniques used in deep tissue massage.
It is a useful technique to help relax muscles, increase endorphins, reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation.
Which is better?
There is little difference when it comes to these two, other than the depth of treatment. The techniques used are similar, but deep massage will tend to involve longer, slower, higher-pressure strokes compared to a greater range of strokes used on soft tissue.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the answer to the above question is not so straightforward. Many therapists will not just stick to one massage technique or field and will dive into other areas when necessary. The difference between the two is quite limited and both offer similar benefits.
When it comes to injury recovery, deep tissue massage is undoubtedly the most effective type, but on the other hand, it can also be quite unnecessary if used at the wrong time.
With all of the above in mind, the conclusion is boring.