The word massage often causes people to immediately think relaxation and, in that case, active people and athletes’ sports massage often comes to mind, and that’s fine. So many people are familiar with sports massage and have a rough idea of what it is.

So what’s the difference?
Sports massage is a routine massage treatment aimed at active individuals and athletes. It focuses on preventing injuries, improving performance and enhancing recovery. This type of treatment uses deep massage techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and decrease soreness. It’s generally a great option for those involved in regular physical activity and want to maintain peak performance.

The problem with sports massage is, it can be quite limited. While it’s amazing for the routine maintenance needs of active people, it doesn’t go beyond that.

Soft Tissue Therapy is a specialised form of manual therapy that evolved from sports massage, and it goes beyond what a traditional sports massage offers. A Soft Tissue Therapist is trained not just in deep tissue techniques but in assessing and helping to treat a variety of minor and chronic musculoskeletal issues. This makes Soft Tissue Therapy effective for both athletes and non-athletes alike.

Soft Tissue Therapy shares techniques with other disciplines like physiotherapy and osteopathy, focusing on hands-on manual therapy as well as incorporating remedial exercises. The goal is not just to alleviate symptoms but to identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction, offering a longer-term solution for conditions like back pain, postural issues or even chronic injury recovery.

One of the most important differences between a sports massage therapist and a soft tissue therapist is their level of training.

A soft tissue therapist undergoes a higher-level education in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, injury management and hands-on treatment techniques providing the skills and knowledge to help with both minor and chronic injuries, pains and conditions. The training is equivalent to a university undergraduate level of education. While a sports massage therapist can give a really good massage, their training is more limited to focusing on sports-related needs of athletes using purely massage therapy techniques.

So why choose Soft Tissue Therapy?
If you’re looking for a sports massage, a Soft Tissue Therapist can provide one of the most effective sports massages you’ll ever have but their skills and knowledge doesn’t end there. If you’re dealing with an old injury, nagging pain or want a more in-depth session, Soft Tissue Therapy is the better choice.

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