Shiatsu vs Massage: Which Is Better for Back Tension?

If you're dealing with persistent back tension or pain, you're likely considering a range of options—maybe you've tried massage therapy, or perhaps you've heard of Shiatsu, a traditional Japanese bodywork technique. But what's the difference between the two, and which is more effective for relieving back pain?

Shiatsu vs Massage: Which Is Better for Back Tension? Let’s break it down.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy typically involves kneading, stroking, and manipulating the muscles to relieve tension. It focuses on physical muscle tissue and is often performed using oils on bare skin.

Popular types of massage for back pain include:

• Swedish massage – gentle and relaxing

• Deep tissue massage – targets deep layers of muscle

• Sports massage – geared toward athletic recovery

  
  

Massage is well-known for:

• Improving circulation

• Releasing muscle knots - this is not a positive!

• Promoting general relaxation temporarily

If you're reading this then you're most likely not feeling the positive effects of a massage for more than a couple of days and your pain returns. What if you could find a massage therapy that really does help relieve chronic pain that keeps returning?

What Is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a hands-on Japanese healing therapy that means “finger pressure.” It works with the body’s energy flow (Qi) by applying pressure to acupressure points, using thumbs, palms, elbows, and sometimes knees.

Unlike massage:

• Shiatsu is done through clothing

• It doesn’t use oils

• It involves gentle stretches and rotations as well as pressure

• It listens to your muscles and body movement and supports change

• It takes into consideration the emotional element of your injury or chronic pain

• It strengthens weaknesses in your muscles that aren't picked up in massage (it doesn't pummel it nourishes)

• It pin points deep pain issues and releases - creating freedom of movement

• It releases stuck emotions in the body without having to talk about it

• Creating a deep emotional and physical relaxation like you won't have ever experienced before

• The result can last for weeks!

  
  

Shiatsu is rooted in Eastern medicine principles and works holistically—addressing not only the physical body, but also the emotional and energetic systems.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Massage Therapy	Shiatsu Therapy
Performed Through Clothing	❌ No	✅ Yes
Uses Oils or Creams	✅ Often	❌ Never
Focus	Muscles & circulation	Energy flow + muscles
Origin	Western (Swedish/Deep Tissue)	Japanese (Traditional)
Stretching Included	❌ Minimal	✅ Gentle full-body stretches
Holistic Approach	🟡 Varies	✅ Strong emphasis

Shiatsu vs Massage: Which Is Better for Back Tension?

Both therapies have their benefits, and the “best” option depends on your needs.

Choose massage therapy if:

• You prefer a firm, hands-on approach to work deep into the muscles

• You want oil-based treatment on bare skin

• You're recovering from athletic strain

Choose Shiatsu therapy if:

• You want to address tension from a mind-body perspective

• You’re sensitive to touch or want treatment without oils or undressing

• You’re dealing with stress-related back tension or pain, not just muscle stiffness

  
  

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Got Sciatica or Plantar Fasciatis?

Check out this blog for permanent relief!

Can shiatsu help sciatica? Absolutely it can !

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Shiatsu for Back Pain at Cheltenham Clinic

At Shiatsu Bodyworks Cheltenham, I work with many clients who have tried massage and are looking for a deeper, more holistic approach for longer lasting results. Shiatsu helps calm the nervous system, release tension from the inside out, and restore energetic balance.

Sessions are tailored to your body’s specific patterns of tension, stress, and posture.

Ready to try something different?

Book a Shiatsu session at my Cheltenham practice and experience a natural path to lasting back relief.

About Andrea at Shiatsu Bodyworks Cheltenham

Andrea is a qualified zen shiatsu and Chinese medicine practitioner with over 20 years immersed in holistic therapies and the energetics of mind and body. Based in Cheltenham, UK she offers in house clinic and online sessions to help people with midlife health issues and she can help your dogs too. As well as shiatsu she may incorporate Bach flower remedies and pharmacognosy using essential oils as well as offering supplement and lifestyle suggestions; only on request!

Shiatsu: Gentle body work to make your body work better!