Sports massage or deep-tissue massage?
Sports massage focuses on the muscles that tire from training or work, and is used before or after activity to help you relax and recover. Deep-tissue massage uses slower, deeper pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle, long-standing tension and muscle knots. It can feel uncomfortable at times, but it should not be very painful.
Who may it help?
- Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and back from long hours of sitting
- Sore, stiff muscles after training or matches
- Muscle knots and trigger points
- Athletes between training sessions and before competitions
What does the evidence say?
A 2018 systematic review found massage to be one of the most effective recovery methods for reducing delayed muscle soreness and the feeling of fatigue after exercise. For low back pain, the NICE guideline recommends manual therapy, including soft-tissue techniques such as massage, as part of a plan that includes exercise, not on its own.
What happens in a session at Revibe?
- We ask about your health, any injury, recent surgery or medication
- We find where you are tight and choose the type of massage and the pressure
- Tell us during the session if the pressure is too much, and we change it straight away
- At the end you get simple tips for stretching and movement
- If your pain needs a physiotherapy assessment or a doctor, we tell you
- For women: a female therapist on request
When do we postpone or adapt a massage?
- A recent injury with swelling or bruising (the first two to three days)
- A fever or feeling generally unwell
- A wound, skin infection or rash in the area
- Recent surgery: follow your surgeon's advice
- Blood thinners, pregnancy, osteoporosis or varicose veins: tell us before the session so we can adjust the pressure
When do you need urgent medical care?
- Calf pain with swelling, redness or warmth (it may be a blood clot)
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- Severe pain after a fall or accident
- Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg that is getting worse
In these cases do not book a massage: go to the nearest emergency department straight away, or call 911.
FAQ
Does massage hurt?
Sports and deep-tissue massage can feel uncomfortable in some areas, but they should not be very painful. Tell your therapist at any time to ease the pressure. Mild muscle soreness the next day is common and usually goes within a day or two.
Is there a female therapist?
Yes. Ask for a female therapist when you book with Rivo, with full privacy.
How do I book?
Through Rivo on the website, Instagram or Facebook at any hour, or WhatsApp +962 77 766 2055. You can also change or cancel your appointment yourself in Rivo.
Do I need a massage or physiotherapy?
If the tension comes after training or long hours of sitting, a massage may be enough. If the pain keeps coming back, spreads into an arm or leg, or started after an injury, it is better to begin with a physiotherapy assessment.
Ready to start?
Book your first session at Revibe Clinic in Amman (it starts with an assessment), or message us on WhatsApp.
Related pages
Source: Dupuy O. et al. (2018). Post-exercise recovery techniques: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology 9:403 · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s
This information is general education and does not replace a clinical assessment.