Sports Massage vs Deep Tissue vs Relaxation Massage: Which One Do You Need?

Milosz Kalotka
Oct 8
2 min read

Confused about which type of massage to book? You're not alone. Let's break down the three main massage types and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Relaxation Massage (Swedish Massage): Your

What it is: The classic massage most people picture—long, flowing strokes designed to

help you unwind completely.

Pressure: Light to moderate, always comfortable

Best for:

● Stress relief and general relaxation

● First-time massage clients

● Office workers with general muscle tension

● Managing stress and improving mental well-being

● Improving sleep quality

What to expect: A calming, spa-like experience with gentle techniques that improve

circulation and promote whole-body relaxation. You'll leave feeling refreshed and mentally

clear

Deep Tissue Massage: Targeted Relief for Chronic

What it is: A therapeutic approach that targets deeper muscle layers to address specific

problem areas and chronic pain.

Pressure: Firm to deep can be intense, but shouldn't be unbearable

Best for:

● Chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain

● Persistent muscle knots and tension

● Postural issues from desk work

● Tension headaches from tight muscles

● Old injuries that still cause discomfort

What to expect: Slower, more deliberate strokes focusing on your trouble spots. You might

experience some discomfort as knots release, but you should always communicate with your

therapist about pressure levels. Some soreness the next day is normal.

Sports Massage: Performance and Prevention for Active Bodies

What it is: A specialised, targeted approach for people who are physically active, whether

you're a professional athlete or weekend warrior.

Pressure: Varies depending on timing (pre-event, post-event, or maintenance)

Best for:

● Athletes at any level

● Regular gym-goers and runners

● Anyone training for an event

● Sport-specific injuries (shin splints, hamstring strains)

● People in physically demanding jobs

What to expect: Your therapist will focus on the specific muscles used in your sport or

activity. This isn't just about recovery, it's about optimising performance and preventing

injury.

Common misconception: You DON'T need to be a pro athlete! If you're active and

experiencing muscle tightness or overuse, sports massage is for you.

Quick Comparison

	Relaxation	Deep Tissue	Sport
Goal	Stress relief	Pain relief	Performance
Pressure	Light-moderate	Firm-deep	Varies
Focus	Full body	Problem areas	Sport-specific
Best For	Everyone	Chronic issues	Active people

Which One Do YOU Need?

Choose Relaxation if: You're stressed, want to unwind, or are new to massage

Choose Deep Tissue if: You have chronic pain in specific areas or persistent tension

Choose Sports if: You're active, training, or have sport-related muscle issues

Can You Combine Approaches?

Absolutely!

At MK Osteopathy, we don't believe in rigid categories. Your therapist might start with relaxation techniques to warm up muscles, then transition to deeper work where needed. The best approach is the one that addresses YOUR specific needs