Quick answer
Deep tissue and sports massage use much the same firm, targeted techniques; the real difference is the goal. Deep tissue is aimed at everyday chronic tension and knots, while sports massage is geared to training, performance and recovery. We choose the focus together based on what you need.
Deep tissue and sports massage have more in common than not — both use firm, targeted pressure to work into tight muscles and release stubborn tension. The real difference is the goal, not the technique. Deep tissue is aimed at the everyday aches, knots and long-held tension most of us carry; sports massage is geared towards training, performance and recovery.
If you are trying to decide which to book, it comes down to why you are coming. Here is how to choose.
How similar are they, really?
Very. Both work firmly and deliberately into the deeper layers of muscle, both can feel intense in a good way, and both are adapted to your body and the pressure you can welcome. In practice the hands-on work overlaps almost completely — the label mostly reflects what you are trying to achieve.
So rather than agonising over the name, the useful question is simply: what do you want this massage to do?
Deep tissue: for everyday chronic tension
Deep tissue suits the tension most of us accumulate from daily life — the knotted shoulders from a desk, the lower back that has ached for years, the tightness that does not shift with a gentle massage. The aim is to release that held tension, ease the pain it causes, and free up movement.
If you want firm, effective pressure to work out long-standing knots, this is the one.
Sports massage: for training and recovery
Sports massage is geared towards an active body — though you absolutely do not have to be an athlete to have one. It helps with training niggles, recovery after exercise, tight muscles from running or the gym, and keeping you moving well. The focus tends to be on the specific muscle groups you are working hard.
If you are training, recovering from a tough session, or have a particular sport-related tightness, this is the angle.
Same firm, targeted work. The name just reflects your goal — everyday tension, or training and recovery.
Which should you book?
Go by your goal: everyday aches, knots and chronic tension point to deep tissue; training, sport and recovery point to sports massage. If you are not sure, it genuinely does not matter which you pick — we decide the focus together at the start, and the work adapts to you.
If even a firm Swedish would do and you are not sure you want intense pressure at all, the deep tissue vs Swedish guide is the better comparison to read.