Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both conventional types of massage therapy. While there are some similarities, they are different from each other. The differences are pressure, technique, intended use, and area of focus.

Below you’ll find key distinctions between these two massage styles, along with tips on what to do to prepare for your massage. Here at Executive Spa & Massage, we believe that massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Enhanced sleep quality.
  • Greater energy.
  • Improved concentration.
  • Increased circulation.
  • Reduced fatigue.

What is a Swedish massage?

Swedish massage is one of the most commonly offered massage techniques. It’s sometimes called a classic massage. The technique aims to promote relaxation by releasing muscle tension.

Swedish massage is gentler than deep tissue massage and better suited for people interested in relaxation and tension relief.

Swedish Massage is used to warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle “knots” or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, it works on more superficial soft tissues. Relieving stress and promoting relaxation.

Swedish massage may loosen up tight muscles caused by daily activities such as sitting at the computer or exercising. It can be very helpful for people who hold a lot of tension in their:

  • lower back
  • shoulders
  • neck

Swedish Massage  (1 Hour) $60

Swedish Massage  (1.5 Hours) $90

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What happens during a Swedish massage?

During a Swedish massage, therapists use:

  • kneading
  • long strokes
  • deep circular movements
  • passive joint movements

These techniques are meant to:

  • relax you
  • stimulate nerve endings
  • increase blood flow and lymph drainage

A traditional Swedish massage involves the whole body. You will begin on either your back or your stomach and flip over at the halfway point.

If you have an area of particular concern, such as a tight neck, you can ask your therapist to spend more time in this area. Depending on your preferences, you can ask your massage therapist to use light, medium, or firm pressure.

Your massage therapist will inform you of all steps to take before starting your massage. 

Your massage therapist will use an oil or lotion to allow for smooth and long strokes. 

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but it goes farther and is intended for a different purpose.

Deep tissue massage is best suited for:

  • athletes
  • runners
  • people with injuries

It can also work for people with chronic pain conditions such as:

  • fibromyalgia
  • lower back pain

Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your:

  • muscles
  • tendons
  • fascia, or dense connective tissue

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same stroking and kneading movements as Swedish massage, but there’s far more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful.

In order to reach the deep muscle tissue, a therapist will massage layer by layer of muscle, applying more and more pressure and employing special techniques with the fingers, fists, and maybe even elbows to reach and stretch that deep tissue.

This type of massage facilitates healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help increase blood flow to the soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.

What happens during a deep tissue massage?

Before a deep tissue massage, you will discuss your problem areas with your therapist. A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focused only on one area. You will begin lying on your back or stomach.

Deep tissue massages begin as a more traditional relaxation massage. After the muscles are warmed up, your massage therapist will begin to work deep into your problem areas.

In addition to their palms, fingertips, and knuckles, your therapist may use their forearms or elbows to increase pressure.

It’s important to be open with your massage therapist about the level of pressure and discomfort you wish to endure. This may be different for certain areas and throughout the massage. Feel free to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the massage.

Some massage therapists find the pain to be counterproductive to the process and expect you to speak up if the pain is too much.

You should expect a fair amount of soreness in the days following your deep tissue massage. Your therapist may recommend treating with:

  • ice
  • heat
  • stretching

Talk to your therapist about any injuries. Be clear about the extent of your injuries, how long they have been healing, and what your current pain level is.

Talk about your comfort levels. Tell the massage therapist which areas you do not want them to touch. For example, some people are uncomfortable with their buttocks being massaged.

Talk about your goals and expectations. Do you just want to relax? Are you trying to recover from an injury?

Discuss pressure. Talk to your therapist about what level of pressure is best for you.

Be open. Let your therapist know if you have privacy concerns or areas that you don’t want to be touched.

Warm-up. If possible, warm up your muscles by taking a warm shower, soaking in a hot tub, or spending a few minutes in a sauna.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before your massage.

Which massage works best?

Swedish and deep tissue massages are very similar. The primary difference is the level of pressure involved. If you’re looking for relaxation and release from tense, tight muscles, Swedish massage is probably right for you.

If you’re recovering from an injury, deep tissue massage can be a helpful part of your treatment plan.

Feel free to communicate feedback to your therapist during your massage.