Deep & Soft Tissue Massage
At Osteopathic Movement in South Yarra, our osteopaths provide both deep tissue and soft tissue massage techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and assist recovery from pain or injury. Unlike general or spa massage, our treatments are clinically focused and tailored to your individual presentation.
What is Soft Tissue Massage?
Soft tissue massage involves the skilled manipulation of muscles, fascia, and connective tissues. It’s used to decrease pain, reduce tightness, improve joint range of motion, improve circulation, and enhance overall tissue health. Depending on your needs, techniques may range from gentle and rhythmic to firm and targeted.
Soft tissue massage is often beneficial for:
Muscle tightness from overuse or poor posture
Recovery after training or sport
Improving mobility and flexibility
Supporting injury prevention and rehabilitation
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It’s ideal for addressing chronic muscle tension, postural strain, and restricted movement patterns. Your osteopath uses slower, more focused pressure to reach specific problem areas while still respecting your pain tolerance and comfort.
Deep tissue massage can help with:
Persistent muscular pain or stiffness
Tension headaches or neck tightness
Shoulder and upper-back pain from desk work
Gluteal, hamstring, and calf tightness in runners or athletes
How Our Osteopaths Integrate Massage into Treatment
Our osteopaths combine soft and deep tissue techniques within a broader manual therapy approach. Depending on your presentation, your session may also include:
Joint mobilisation or articulation (gentle encouragement of joint movement by practitioner)
Joint manipulations (gentle thrust techniques used to encourage joint movement and improve joint positioning)
Each treatment is personalised — whether you need to relieve soreness, restore movement, or enhance athletic performance.
Clinical vs. Spa Massage – The Difference
While relaxation massage can feel pleasant, osteopathic massage focuses on biomechanics and functional improvement. We assess your movement, identify contributing factors, and treat the underlying cause — not just the symptom. This ensures longer-lasting outcomes.
Common Conditions We Treat with Massage
Lower back and neck pain
Hip and gluteal tension
Muscle recovery following injury or overtraining
Why Choose Osteopathic Movement
Experienced osteopaths trained in both gentle and deep techniques
Evidence-based care addressing the root cause of pain
Private treatment rooms in our South Yarra wellness centre
Health fund rebates available for eligible appointments
Ready to Book?
Experience the benefits of soft and deep tissue massage with our team of osteopaths in South Yarra. We’ll tailor your session to your goals — whether that’s easing tension, improving movement, or speeding recovery.