What’s the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is arguably the most commonly offered massage techniques. It’s sometimes called a classic massage. This technique promotes relaxation by releasing muscle tension.

Swedish massage therapy is more gentle than deep tissue technique and is better for people whose goal is relaxation and stress relief.

Swedish massage may loosen those tight muscles that can often come from 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 and/or neck.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage therapy uses some of the same strokes and kneading techniques as Swedish massage, but there’s more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful.

To reach the deep muscle tissue, your therapist will massage layer by layer of muscle, gradually applying more pressure and using techniques with the fingers, fists and sometimes elbows to reach and stretch the deep tissue.

This type of massage encourages healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help to improve blood flow to soft tissues and can help to reduce inflammation.