The Differences of Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, and Sports Massage by Chris Lontok

Clients of Largo massage clinics often mistake a deep tissue massage for a mysofascial release treatment. They also get confused with the difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage.

It's not actually a surprise for most massage clinics and spas in Largo (or anywhere) to have confused clients. This is because all 3 massages target the deep tissues and muscles in the body. All three also apply deeper strokes and greater pressure for specific points in the body. The techniques used for these massages are connected with each other, but knowing their differences will help you know what to ask for the next time you decide to set an appointment with your Largo massage clinic.

According to a professional therapist in a Belleair spa, a deep tissue massage is a technique designed to help realign the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. The strokes used in a deep tissue massage are very similar to the ones used for Swedish massage, but pressure and strokes are generally more intense. It specifically focuses on muscles with chronic tension or “knots.” One Largo massage clinic client complained about feeling sore after the treatment, but one shouldn't worry because it's natural. This is because a deep tissue massage uses a lot of friction against the muscle grain to eliminate adhesions. Unblocking adhesions relieve muscles of poor blood circulation and pain. It will also increase the muscle's ability to move. But since the treatment calls for the manipulation of deep muscles, it should only be done by a licensed and professional therapist. You can tell the therapist, at any point in the treatment, if you are feeling too much pain or discomfort from the massage. You can also always ask your therapist of his or her background to make sure you are getting the correct treatment.

A msyofascial release treatment is sometimes mistaken for a deep tissue massage. This is because they target the same areas. Your Largo massage spa will tell you that the myofascial release technique is not for “untying” knotted muscles, but rather, to stretch the fascia to eliminate pain and improve movement. The fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds our muscles, bones, organs, nerves, and blood vessels. The fascia also is our body's second line of defense against pathogenic agents and infections after the skin. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by rolling the skin. Massage spas in Belleair, Largo, area 33771, and Indian Rocks Beach commonly offers this type of treatment to their clients.

A sports massages, among the three, is the most personalized type of technique because the treatment will depend on the specific need of the patient. It is, of course, not exclusive for athletes. According to a Largo massage spa, anyone who is physically active can get a sports massage. Today's sports and physical training are demanding more and more from our bodies and the tendency is an increase in controlled overuse of our muscles. A sports massage aims to lessen muscle stress and increase performance. The three main categories of massage that are predominantly used in a sport massage are effleurage, petrissage and frictions. Effleurage is used to introduce contact to the body. It uses long and deep pressure strokes using the palm of the hand and fingers. Petrissage is the kneading and rolling motion, while friction uses the pads of the thumb and fingers to breakdown muscle tension.

Ask your Largo massage spa on which massage you should get. Find the technique that best suits your needs.