What is the difference between Sports Massage and Holistic or Swedish Massage?
In a nutshell Swedish/ holistic massage works with the whole body to promote relaxation, homeostasis and stress relief usually within a routine. Sports/ remedial massage works with fascia correcting postural dysfunction to acheive balance in muscle length and performance.
What is Swedish/Holistic Massage?
As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish/holistic massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by massaging the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish/Holistic therapy goes far beyond relaxation, it is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension, supporting homeostasis of the body.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma; from sporting activities, to doing the gardening! The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury. Quite often a treatment will include a postural assessment, range of movement testing, following by a treatment designed for your specific needs.
Myth-buster - Despite the name suggesting otherwise you don't have to be an athlete to receive treatment from a Sports Therapist. Also known as remedial massage you can receive treatment for any stresses and strains on the body.