The differences are important if you’re choosing the right treatment. Here’s a comparison:

You need to decide which massage suits your needs best (for example, stress relief, injury, or flexibility)

Deep Tissue Massage

• Pressure: Firm to very deep.

• Technique: Slow, concentrated pressure that targets deeper muscle layers and fascia.

• Goal: Release chronic tension, knots, and muscle adhesions.

• Best for: People with long-term muscle tightness, postural issues, or injuries.

Sports Massage

• Pressure: Variable — from gentle to deep, depending on the stage of training or recovery.

• Technique: Combines deep tissue work with stretching, compression, and joint mobilization.

• Goal: Prevent and treat injuries, improve athletic performance, and speed recovery.

• Best for: Athletes or active people training regularly.

Swedish Massage

• Pressure: Light to medium.

• Technique: Long, flowing strokes, kneading, and circular movements.

• Goal: General relaxation, improved circulation, and stress relief.

• Best for: People new to massage or looking to unwind rather than target specific pain.

To summarise:

• Deep Tissue = Tension Relief
• Sports = Performance and Recovery
• Swedish = Relaxation