SPORTS + DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Among other styles of bodywork, many of the Aether Wellness massage therapists are highly talented in sports and deep tissue massage. This type of massage offers detailed muscle work and isn’t just for athletes! Read more to see if this is right for you.

What is Sports + Deep Tissue Massage?

For sports and deep tissue sessions, massage therapists use specialized techniques and strong pressure to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Although this is a type of massage most common for athletes, almost anyone can benefit from this type of bodywork.

The Benefits of
Sports + Deep Tissue Massage

  • Decreased Muscle Tension: Deep muscle work breaks up adhesions and scar tissue within the muscle fibers, often described as “knots”

  • Pain Relief: Released tension alleviates chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and tightness

  • Improved Flexibility: Targeting the deep layers creates more space and increases range of motion

  • Faster Recovery: Speeds up recovery from workouts or injuries by increasing blood flow and breaking down scar tissue

  • Stress Reduction: Deep tissue muscle work lowers stress hormone levels and increases serotonin, boosting mood and relaxation

  • Reduced Inflammation: Increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage will reduce the inflammation within muscles

What to expect in a
Sports + Deep Tissue Massage

Our massage therapists will assess your specific needs to build a session unique for you. Generally, you can expect detailed work on specific muscles, their connective tissues, and the associated trigger points to release tightness and tension. Sometimes this type of massage involves high pressure or deep stretches that aren’t always the most relaxing, but will leave you feeling loose and refreshed.

Some specific techniques our massage therapists may tap into include trigger point therapy, myofascial releases, cross-fiber friction, deep stretching, and more. Your massage therapist may use tools like a Theragun or AchedAway heated scraper to help melt away built up tension and work deeper.

Tips for your Sports + Deep Tissue session:

  • Communicate with your therapist: Deep work on tight muscles can sometimes be uncomfortable. Although your therapist is trained to read your body language and adjust accordingly, please let them know if the pressure is too much or if you’d rather power through!

  • Undress to your comfort levels: Your massage therapist is trained to work within your boundaries. Know that effective deep work can be done no matter how much clothing you have on—your therapist will adjust their techniques accordingly.

  • Breathe: Deep tissue work can be uncomfortable, pushing your limits of ease. Use your breath to ground yourself and relax your body to receive the full benefit of the massage. The discomfort will pass and the more your therapist can work through your muscle tension, the longer you’ll feel the positive effects of the massage.

  • Pair with an add on: Consider asking for cupping in your sports and deep tissue massage. Cupping encourages blood flow to certain areas which can help loosen muscles even further and speed up recovery.

Who should receive
Sports + Deep Tissue Bodywork?

This type of massage is best for anyone with an active lifestyle, repetitive movement in their daily life, or chronic muscle pain. Sports and deep tissue massage can also aid in the healing after an injury — even if that just means sleeping wrong.

When we say active lifestyle, we do mean athletes — runners, cyclists, football players, rock climbers, yogis, etc. And we also mean parents who constantly pick up small children, those who are on the move at work, people who use their hands or are on their feet for their jobs, and so much more.

If you’re looking to “feel” your massage or get some knots worked out, this is the type of massage for you.

Comparing
Sports + Deep Tissue Bodywork

Sports massage is specifically designed to heal and prevent injuries, relieve pain, and enhance your body’s active performance. It involves more focused pressure on specific muscle groups, compared to a Swedish relaxation massage. If you’re looking for something more soothing or are seeking something to support your mental health, you might instead consider Reiki energy work.

What people are saying.

Why choose Aether?

Aether Wellness is a space for healing the mind, body, and spirit through sustainable wellness and connection through community and with the Earth around us. With massage, energy work, yoga, and retreat offerings, Aether provides holistic support on your unique journey toward wellness and healing for body and being.

Explore more massage specialties from Aether Wellness

Any style of massage you choose doesn’t have to be the only service you receive during your session. Often the best treatment is a mixture of tactics which help meet your unique needs. We also offer a number of add-ons that can be excellent for improving relaxation or muscle treatments.

reiki energy work
prenatal massage

Aether is built on community. Hear what they’re saying.

We pride ourselves on giving each client the VIP treatment, down to the details. Please leave a review and read what others are saying!

Malia, August 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Aether Wellness is the place to go! They kill it every time from emergency appointments to routine relaxation. They are so talented at making your vision of what you want happen. I trust their knowledge and professionalism to take care of my body, but both therapists bring amazing energy in as well making me so comfortable. Absolutely! Recommend!”

Ryan, July 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It has been years since I got my last massage. I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Aether Wellness with Alyssa. Her massage was expertly tailored to my needs. The setting was serene and calming, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and working out my knots.


Alyssa's skill and professionalism truly made my visit unforgettable. Already looking forward to my next visit.”

Explore more from Aether Wellness