Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is more than relaxation — it is a targeted, evidence-based approach to reducing pain, restoring mobility, and supporting long-term health. At Athlete’s Choice Massage, we provide personalized therapeutic massage treatments across our clinic locations, helping you recover, move freely, and feel your best.

Therapeutic vs. relaxation, deep tissue, and sports massage

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they solve different problems:

• Therapeutic vs. relaxation massage — Relaxation (Swedish) massage uses long, light strokes to calm the nervous system and ease stress. Therapeutic massage is assessment-driven and targets a specific problem — pain, restricted movement, or an injury — with firmer, more focused work. (See our full therapeutic vs. relaxation breakdown.)
• Therapeutic vs. deep tissue massage — Deep tissue is a technique: slow, deep pressure into the deeper muscle layers. Therapeutic massage is the broader treatment — your RMT may use deep tissue as one tool, alongside trigger point work, myofascial release, and stretching, based on what the assessment finds.
• Therapeutic vs. sports massage — Sports massage is therapeutic work tailored to training and athletic demands — event prep, recovery, and sport-specific patterns. If your goal is general pain relief or mobility rather than performance, therapeutic massage is usually the better fit.

Not sure which you need? Book a therapeutic session and your RMT will assess and adjust — the techniques overlap, and the plan is built around your goals.

What to Expect from Your Therapeutic Massage

If you’re looking to address muscle tension, injury recovery, stress relief, improved mobility, or overall performance, Therapeutic Massage at our Downtown Edmonton, West Edmonton, Old Strathcona, and Sherwood Park clinics may be the right choice for you.

Your appointment will begin with a comprehensive assessment, including a discussion of your primary concerns, relevant health history, and any contributing lifestyle factors. Your therapist may also perform range of motion (ROM) and orthopedic testing, when appropriate, to better understand the root cause of your symptoms. Together, you will establish clear treatment goals to ensure your session is focused, effective, and aligned with your needs.

Based on the assessment, your therapist will use a combination of techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Each treatment is fully customizable, and pressure or techniques can be adjusted at any time to ensure your comfort and optimal results. Open communication is encouraged throughout your session so adjustments can be made in real time.

To support long-term results, you will receive personalized home care recommendations, including stretches, strengthening exercises, posture or ergonomic guidance, and self-care strategies. Before leaving, your therapist can also recommend an appropriate treatment plan and timing for your next visit, helping you take an active role in your recovery and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between therapeutic and relaxation massage?

Relaxation (Swedish) massage uses long, light strokes to ease stress and improve circulation. Therapeutic massage is assessment-driven and targets a specific problem — pain, restricted movement, or injury — using firmer, more focused techniques. Many clients alternate between the two depending on their goals.

Is therapeutic massage the same as deep tissue massage?

Not quite. Deep tissue is a technique that uses slow, deep pressure into the deeper muscle layers. Therapeutic massage is the broader treatment, and your RMT may use deep tissue as one of several tools — alongside trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and stretching — based on the assessment.

Therapeutic massage or sports massage — which do I need?

Sports massage is therapeutic work tailored to training and athletic demands such as event prep and recovery. If your goal is general pain relief or improved mobility rather than athletic performance, therapeutic massage is usually the better fit. The techniques overlap, so your RMT can adjust within a session.

Can therapeutic massage help back pain?

Yes. Back pain is one of the most common reasons clients book therapeutic massage. Your RMT assesses the pattern, then works to release the muscles and trigger points contributing to the pain and to restore movement, often with home-care stretches between visits.

Is therapeutic massage covered by insurance?

If your plan covers massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist, therapeutic massage usually qualifies. ACM offers direct billing to many insurers at all locations, so you don’t need to pay up front and submit a claim.

Book Therapeutic Massage at Your Location

Therapeutic Massage is available at our Edmonton clinics and Sherwood Park location. Same-day appointments are often available — book online or call 780-433-0550.