Massage vs. Bodywork - What is the Difference?

Massage vs. Bodywork: What’s the Difference—and What Do I Offer?

You’ve probably heard the terms massage and bodywork used together, but they’re not exactly the same—and that difference matters, especially when it comes to the kind of results you're looking for.

Massage is what most people are familiar with: relaxing, therapeutic touch that targets muscles to relieve tension, improve circulation, and help you de-stress. Think Swedish or deep tissue—more general techniques that feel great and help your body unwind.

Bodywork, on the other hand, goes deeper (literally and figuratively). It includes techniques designed to address the root cause of pain or dysfunction—not just the symptoms.

• Fascial Counterstrain: A gentle but powerful method that works with the nervous system to release tension in fascia, muscles, even organs. It helps your body naturally reset and heal.

• Trigger Point Therapy: Focused pressure on "knots" (trigger points) to relieve referred pain and restore function to the muscle.

• Myofascial Release: A slow, sustained technique that helps loosen restrictions in connective tissue (fascia), improving mobility and reducing pain.

These approaches may feel different from a typical spa massage—they’re more targeted, sometimes more subtle, but always guided by what your body needs.

The goal? Long-term relief, improved function, and better alignment—not just a quick fix.

If you’ve tried massage before but still feel like something’s “stuck,” bodywork might be exactly what your body has been asking for.

Key Differences

Aspect	Massage	Bodywork
Focus	Muscle and soft tissue manipulation	Overall body alignment, movement, release of dysfunction in the body
Techniques	Kneading, stroking, pressure	Can include touch, movement, breathwork, or fascial work
Goal	Relaxation, pain relief, circulation improvement	Structural balance, fascial release, mind-body connection
Regulation	Often requires licensing	Many bodywork techniques require licensing to be educated in the modality

In my sessions, I blend traditional therapeutic massage with specialized bodywork techniques to achieve optimal improvement.

Book a consultation to come up with a personalized wellness plan that combines all of the tools available to assist you to your health and fitness goals!

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