In the UK, Deep Tissue Massage is effectively a Swedish/Holistic massage with more pressure and can be taught in 1 day, to existing massage therapists.

While Sports Massage includes a greater range of techniques, including stretching, assisted stretching, trigger point techniques, pre and post event massage and more. In the UK it is commonly taught as a Diploma from Level 3 to Level 6 and can take between 2 to 18+ days.

No, Sports Massage is great for nearly everyone. The pressure and speed can be adjusted for you, and your pain point (if you have one) so that it feels comfortable and the appropriate techniques selected, so that you benefit from the treatment.

It should not be for most people and their presenting complaints.

There are some techniques that can be sore when used on some muscles and if we are working into fibrous / scar tissue or breaking down adhesions in the muscle. If this happens, we will ensure, you know why we want to work at this level and will only continue with your consent.

However you are always in control and can dictate the pressure that is used.

Normally we will work up to, what is termed "grateful pain". This is a level of discomfort that you can breathe through, and it feels to you like it is doing good. If you find yourself tensing up or wishing the technique would quickly finish, it is probably more than "grateful pain".

No. Courses can range from being primarily online to being completely in person, from 2 days to 18+days with levels from 3 to 6.

Level 3s can only work with non injured tissue with a focus on pre, post event and between event massage for athletes.

Level 4,5,6 can work with pathological tissue including minor Ligament sprains, minor Muscle strains, minor tendopathies. There will be more techniques covered.

The higher the level, in theory, should equate to greater knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology and common sports injuries.

However not all courses are the same and we have come across Level 4 course that are much more in depth than level 6 courses. So, the time spent face to face with refining of techniques and understanding of injuries and anatomy is very important.

At the Wellness Therapy Centre, the Sports Massage is performed by Osteopaths, whose Qualification and knowledge far outweighs any sports massage qualification. This is backed up with years of experience and additional massage / sports massage qualifications and CPD.

In reality very little.

Sports Massage was introduced as it was considered to be more cutting edge and drew a line between "massage parlours / altenative treatments".

The title "Remedial massage", was introduced later, as non sports people, did not think sports massage could help them.

Essentially the qualifications and courses are the same and therapists will be able to use the same techniques and treat the same areas and pathologies.

Clinical massage was created to be able to treat more systemic conditions, with the training covering a basic understanding of systemic conditions.

However, the vast majority of practitioners have no medical knowledge or qualifications. It is always better to see your GP, Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Chiropractor first. They will be better qualified to assess or refer you, but also more likely to be able to treat you for a muscle, joint, tendon pain, while ensuring you are kept safe.