Deep Tissue & Sports Massage

What is deep tissue massage? 

Deep tissue massage is a general, firm pressure massage. Many people will benefit from a regular deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage is ideal for those who do not have any particular pain, discomfort or injury that needs addressing. It is suited to those who have general feelings of stiffness and tightness or simply for those who just want a massage but prefer firm pressure. A deep tissue massage should not be painful! Our therapists will adjust the pressure of a massage to suit each individual. The pressure used will help to stretch the muscle tissues and reduce feelings of tightness and stiffness. Any massage that is too painful will actually cause more tension as muscles will contract and shorten in response to pain. A deep tissue massage focuses on long, soothing, firm pressure hands-on techniques but does not use advanced massage skills such as cupping, dry needling, myofascial release or trigger point. If you would like to try any of these techniques, book in for a remedial massage with us instead. Deep tissue massage is also suitable for those who does not have private health cover. If you would like to claim a health fund rebate for a deep tissue massage, please book in for a remedial massage.

What is the difference between deep tissue massage and remedial massage?

Remedial massage therapists will be skilled in all aspects of massage, from relaxation techniques, to general deep tissue massage techniques and through to more advanced massage techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, myofascial cupping and dry needling, stretching techniques and some exercise prescription. Remedial massage sessions are fully tailored to the individual and a therapist will often ask which areas you would like addressing before the massage begins so that their treatment is effective at addressing the specific needs of an individual, perhaps reducing pain, improving functionality or helping recover from injury. Having said this, you do not need to have any specific issues in order to have a remedial massage; remedial massage therapists are also highly skilled at finding areas of dysfunction that their clients do not even know they have! Discovering areas of tension and asymmetry before problems arise makes remedial massage a fantastic preventive treatment if done on a regular basis. Remedial massage therapists have training in giving massage to specific populations, such as pre- and post- sports massage and pregnancy massage. At Melbourne Combined Natural Therapies we also offer remedial massage in conjunction with hot stone massage for those who respond well to heat application and deep tissue massage techniques but who also want a fully tailored massage which addresses problem areas. Deep tissue massage is a technique used throughout a remedial massage session. We offer it as a specific modality primarily for those who do not have private health insurance and also do not have any specific issues which need to be addressed. Deep tissue massage is less specific than a remedial massage and only uses hands-on massage techniques. This means that a deep tissue massage has a continuous flow and some clients may find this to be more relaxing. It is well suited to those who just want a massage, perhaps after a long flight, a busy week or for general health and wellness. Health fund rebates are not available on deep tissue massages. If you would like a deep tissue massage but would like to claim a rebate for your treatment, please book in for a remedial massage. Melbourne Natural Therapies Deep Tissue Massage Melbourne 03 9645 9923 BOOK NOW

What is sports massage? 

Sports massage encompasses a couple of different styles of massage: pre- and post- sports massage. Pre-event sports massage is ideal for those who do not have any particular pain, discomfort or injury that needs addressing but want to feel more loose and flexible before an event. A heavy treatment based massage before sporting events it is not recommended as the body needs time to recover so pre-event sports massage is relatively gentle and similar to a deep tissue massage. Sports massage can also be used post-event. After a sporting event the body will be recovering from stress and strain, the muscles will be repairing and there will be an amount of inflammation in the tissues. This post-exercise discomfort is called delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, and a post-event sports massage is ideal for reducing the symptoms of DOMS by soothing aching muscles, improving blood flow to aid in the repair of muscles and reducing inflammation.A deep tissue or strong pressure massage after exercise is not recommended and could make you feel much worse, so a post-event sports massage is relatively gentle and similar to a relaxation massage. A sports massage should not be painful! Our therapists will adjust the pressure of a massage to suit each individual. Any massage that is too painful will actually cause more tension as muscles will contract and shorten in response to pain which would be counterproductive before an event, or cause more pain to a body that is already trying to recover from the stress and strain of exercise after an event. A sports massage can be full body or focussed to upper or lower body if required. Therapists use long, soothing, hands-on techniques to gently stretch the muscle tissues, reduce feelings of tightness and stiffness and increase blood flow, all ideal for priming the body for peak physical performance or aid in recovery. A sports massage does not use advanced massage skills such as cupping, dry needling, myofascial release or trigger point. If you would like to try any of these techniques, book in for a remedial massage with us instead. Sports massage is also suitable for those who does not have private health cover. If you would like to claim a health fund rebate for a sports massage, please book in for a remedial massage. Book Now – MCNT | Sports Massage Melbourne

What is the difference between sports massage and remedial massage?

There is often a misconception that sports massage is a strong massage that uses very deep tissue massage techniques and is only for the robust few amongst us who like a massage to be a little on the painful side! Quite the contrary. Sports massage done before or after an event is actually quite soothing and relaxing. Remedial massage is often more painful particularly when it is addressing specific areas or injuries. A sports massage may focus on the upper or lower body if required but is overall a very general treatment designed to get the body relaxed and ready for activity or rested and recovered afterwards. A remedial session is often much more specific and can utilise some stronger techniques as required. A remedial session may also use advanced skills such as cupping or dry needling depending on the therapist. Sports massages are not eligible for a health fund rebate. If you have private health cover and would like a sports massage before or after an event, please book in for a remedial massage. Sports Massage Melbourne Melbourne Natural Therapies 03 9645 9923 BOOK NOW

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