Deep tissue massage and sports massage – what is the difference?
Deep tissue massage is classic Western therapeutic massage performed directly on the skin with massage oil. You lie on the treatment table, and Keld works precisely on muscles, tendons and connective tissue. This is the treatment for you if you have a stiff back, tight shoulders, muscle knots in your neck – the everyday complaints that office workers, tradespeople and active people come in with.
Sports massage is a specialised variant aimed at treating and preventing injuries related to physical activity – overuse injuries, acute injuries and chronic problems. The techniques largely overlap, but the approach is more injury-specific.
With Keld you get both: a therapist who can help you whether you have a stiff lower back from lifting awkwardly, a tennis elbow from the computer, or an Achilles problem from running.
Who needs deep tissue massage or sports massage?
You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from treatment. Keld can help you whether you are:
- A tradesperson or manual worker with wear on your back and shoulders
- An office worker with tight shoulders and neck pain from the screen
- An active exerciser with overuse injuries
- A parent with back pain from lifting children and groceries
- A senior with chronic muscle pain and reduced mobility
- An athlete wanting to prevent injuries or recover faster
- Anyone with muscle tension, a stiff back or sore muscles
If you are unsure what suits you, you are very welcome to call or text on 30 40 03 06.
What do we treat?
We have experience treating a wide range of sports injuries and problems:
Overuse injuries
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Runner's knee (ITBS)
- Achilles tendinitis
- Heel spur
- Shin splints
- Bursitis
Acute injuries
- Muscle strain
- Muscle tears
- Sprains
- Whiplash
- Contusions (bruises)
Chronic problems
- Frozen shoulder
- Sciatica pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Tension headaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
How does sports massage work?
Sports massage works specifically with:
- Deep tissue treatment: Releases stuck muscle fibers and connective tissue
- Trigger point therapy: Treats painful knots in the muscles
- Friction massage: Breaks down scar tissue and promotes healing
- Stretching exercises: Improves flexibility and prevents injuries
- Mobilization: Restores normal mobility in joints
- Lymphatic drainage: Reduces swelling and promotes healing
Different types of sports massage
Performance massage (before training/competition)
Short, stimulating massage that:
- Warms up the muscles
- Increases blood circulation
- Improves mental focus
- Prevents injuries
Typical duration: 15-30 minutes
Recovery massage (after training/competition)
Relaxing massage that:
- Accelerates muscle recovery
- Removes waste products
- Reduces soreness
- Prevents overload
Typical duration: 30-60 minutes
Maintenance massage
Regular massage that:
- Identifies problems before they become injuries
- Maintains optimal muscle function
- Improves body balance
- Optimizes performance
Typical duration: 45-90 minutes every 1-2 weeks
Injury treatment
Targeted treatment that:
- Promotes healing of damaged tissue
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Restores normal function
- Prevents re-injury
Typical duration: 60-90 minutes, often multiple treatments
About your therapist – Keld Høfler
Keld is a qualified sports and health massage therapist from the 'At Work' school. He offers classic deep tissue massage directly on the skin with massage oil – traditional Western massage for back pain, tight shoulders and muscle knots. You lie on the treatment table. He also has experience from:
- Working with massage in physiotherapy
- Treating clients in fitness centres
- Thai massage training in Denmark and at Wat Po temple in Bangkok
- Medical Massage certification from Wat Po (2024-25)
Keld's treatment philosophy
Keld combines deep tissue massage with oil, deep pressure massage, Thai massage techniques (stretching and mobilisation), reflex zone therapy and functional movement assessment. He focuses not just on releasing tension — he finds the root cause of your problems, so you get the best possible long-term result.
What to expect at your first visit
At your first sports massage treatment we:
- Talk about your problem, symptoms and history
- Assess your condition and movement patterns
- Agree on a treatment plan
- Perform the treatment adapted to your needs
- Give advice on self-care and prevention
Bring training clothes or comfortable clothing. The treatment can be intense but we always work within your pain threshold.
After your treatment
After sports massage you may experience:
- Immediate relief and better mobility
- Mild soreness for 24-48 hours (normal)
- Temporary increased fatigue
- Increased thirst
Important: Drink plenty of water and avoid hard training for 24-48 hours after intensive treatment. Light activity like walking is fine.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time depends on several factors:
- Acute injuries: Typically 3-6 treatments over 2-4 weeks
- Chronic problems: 6-12 treatments over 2-3 months
- Overuse injuries: 4-8 treatments combined with rest and modified training
We evaluate your progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Some experience improvement after the first treatment, while others need more time.
Injury prevention
Prevention is better than cure. You can reduce the risk of injuries by:
- Proper warm-up: Always warm up before training
- Progressive training: Increase load gradually
- Adequate rest: Give your body time to recover
- Variation: Avoid one-sided strain
- Strength training: Strong muscles protect joints and tendons
- Mobility training: Good mobility reduces injury risk
- Regular massage: Catches problems before they become injuries
Combination treatment
Sports massage can advantageously be combined with:
- Physiotherapy: For specific rehabilitation
- Chiropractor: For joint problems
- Personal training: For correct technique and progression
- Acupuncture: For certain types of pain
- Sports psychologist: For mental barriers
We are happy to work together with other professionals on your treatment for the best result.
Prices for deep tissue massage & sports massage
We recommend minimum 1 hour treatment for sports massage:
- 45 minutes: 400 kr. / € 53.50 - Focused treatment of specific areas
- 1 hour: 500 kr. / € 67,- - Thorough treatment
- 1 hour 15 minutes: 600 kr. / € 80,- - Extended treatment
- 1½ hours: 700 kr. / € 93.50 - Full body treatment with extra focus
- 1 hour 45 minutes: 800 kr. / € 107,- - In-depth treatment
- 2 hours: 900 kr. / € 120,- - Comprehensive treatment
We accept cash payment (DKK/Euro/THB) or MobilePay 303 113.
Book your deep tissue massage or sports massage
Take the first step towards a body free from pain. Book your treatment today.
Or contact us directly:
Phone/SMS: 30 40 03 06
We don't answer the phone during treatments, so feel free to send an SMS if we should call back.
Frequently asked questions about sports massage
When should I seek treatment for an injury?
The sooner the better. For acute injuries, treatment as early as 48 hours after can accelerate healing. For chronic problems, it's never too late to seek help - many experience improvement even after long-term problems.
Does sports massage hurt?
Sports massage can be intense, especially when treating deep-lying problems. We always work within your pain threshold and communicate continuously. Mild soreness the next day is normal and a sign that the tissue is responding to treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the nature and duration of the problem. Acute injuries typically require 3-6 treatments. Chronic problems may require more. We always make a plan and evaluate continuously.
Can I train after sports massage?
With light maintenance massage, you can typically train the same day. After intensive treatment, 24-48 hours rest from hard training is recommended to give the body time to respond to treatment.
Is sports massage the same as physiotherapy?
No, although there is overlap. Physiotherapists work primarily with rehabilitation through exercises and can perform examinations. Sports massage therapists focus on soft tissue treatment. Often a combination is optimal.
Can I get sports massage even if I'm not an active athlete?
Absolutely! Sports massage is effective for all forms of muscle and skeletal pain, whether they stem from sports, work or everyday activities. Many office workers benefit greatly from sports massage.
Does my health insurance cover sports massage?
Some health insurances cover massage. Contact your insurance company to hear about your options. We are happy to issue receipts for reimbursement.
Find us in Roskilde
We are centrally located in the Musicon district with good accessibility.
Massage MusiconPremieren 13, 3. 1
4000 Roskilde
Phone: 30 40 03 06
Parking: There are parking spaces at the building. We are situated between two parking garages: the garage at the entrance (enter from Køgevej heading east) and the garage at Pulsen 21 (enter from Maglegårdsvej heading west).
Accessibility: Elevator in the building.