Deep tissue massage and sports massage both use focused hands-on work, but they are not the same session.

Deep tissue massage is for muscular tension that has built up over time, or after a sudden demanding movement. Slow, focused pressure works into areas that feel tight, overworked or knotted, whether that comes from desk work, repeated movement or training.

Sports massage is planned around training, events and recovery. A session can focus on one area or muscle group, or cover the body except the face and head. It can be given with oil or as a dry massage.

In both treatments, pressure ranges from gentle to extremely firm. It is adjusted to how your body responds, and to your pain threshold, which is different for each person. The pace is steady. Bringing attention back to the body gives you a chance to settle into it, and occasionally to switch off. The focus stays on the tissues, and on helping movement feel more comfortable.