Swedish Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both popular types of massage that people can find in their local area. Since they both have similar healing properties, you may wonder which one is better than the other. Here’s a guide to help you understand the difference between these two types of massages and decide which one works best for your needs.
What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is a type of massage that encourages you to relax and is focused on decreasing muscle tension. Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes to relieve tightness in your body’s deeper layers. It’s a good choice if you want a relaxing and gentle form of massage. The massage therapist will apply oil or lotion to your body, and then he or she will use hands, arms, and sometimes elbows to rub long strokes across your muscles, working out any kinks. Swedish massage doesn’t focus on specific problem areas like other kinds of massage do. Instead, it helps soothe stress and encourages relaxation throughout your entire body. Swedish massage can be combined with other types of massage like deep tissue massage to increase its benefits.
What is deep tissue massage?
Unlike Swedish massage, deep tissue massage is focused on realigning deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The therapist will work slowly and more deeply, using more pressure with each stroke, to break up scar tissue that’s built up over time. Patients who get deep tissue massages generally report less tension and a greater sense of relaxation than after a Swedish session. You should know that you can find both kinds at spas or salons; in fact, many people say they prefer deep tissue to Swedish massage because it helps them loosen their sore muscles faster. Some spas offer both modalities in one session: Talk to your therapist about what you’re looking for before you book an appointment.
Differences between the two massages
Swedish massage is often considered a lighter, more relaxing style of massage. The therapist typically uses long strokes and kneading motions to relieve tension. Swedish massages focus on areas of aches and pains, working out knots in muscles with a variety of strokes and pressure. Swedish massages usually last about 50 minutes. While it is used for relaxation, it’s also an effective form of treatment for pain. This can be especially helpful after injuries or intense physical activity.
Benefits of each
Both deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are effective in soothing muscle pain and tension, but they each target different types of pain. Swedish massage is performed with long strokes, kneading, friction, and vibration to ease general aches. It also stimulates blood flow, easing tension on a more subtle level. Meanwhile, deep tissue massage is intense and focuses on specific problem areas (also known as knots). Many people say it’s painful at first because it’s targeting so much muscle tension. But that pain quickly subsides once you’ve had your treatment. Afterward, you should feel a massive reduction in aches throughout your body without any discomfort or sensitivity remaining.
Massage pressure differences
When considering massage, most people choose between Swedish and deep tissue. The former is less intense, involves long strokes and lighter pressure, while deep tissue focuses on a specific area of tension with heavier pressure. If you’re looking for muscle release or relaxation, Swedish massage is likely to be your best option. Many also prefer it as a preventative maintenance treatment to ward off future aches and pains.
How to prepare for a massage appointment
Before your first appointment, it’s a good idea to learn some massage lingo. While many of us think we know what massaging, kneading, and strumming mean, there is actually quite a bit of distinction between different techniques. Swedish massage is more focused on relaxation, with gentle strokes that help muscles to relax. It tends to be less deep-tissue and more rhythmic in nature than deep tissue massage.
At Massagebypro, massage therapists get their own professional mini-website with a powerful SEO boost so clients can easily find them on major search engines and Social Media sites. Our unique 5-star Review Portal allows therapists to easily ask for reviews, an important component to grow any business. Members get weekly business tips, social media tools, and support from our Team. We connect massage clients with the best massage professionals in the United States. Find the best massage therapists in these modalities: Swedish Massage Therapists, Deep Tissue Massage Therapists, Hot Stone Massage Therapists, Prenatal Massage Therapists, Sports Massage Therapists, Medical Massage Therapists, Reflexology Massage Therapists, Cupping Massage Therapists, Lomi Lomi Massage Therapists, and Thai Massage Therapists.
