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Deep tissue or Swedish massage: Which one to choose?

We’re here to help you understand which one you should pick.

By Phil StephanPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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Deep Tissue vs Swedish Massage

Whether you’re a working professional or someone who is a homemaker, you probably carry a fair bit of tension in your muscles. Getting a massage is one of the best ways to get rid of that tension and even to stimulate your nervous system.

When all the stress is released from your body, and you’re lying on a massage table with luxurious lotions and oils on your back, you’re probably going to feel like you’re in heaven.

While wondering about getting a massage, most people wonder whether they should opt for a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage therapy.

There are a few key differences between both, and we’re here to help you understand which one you should pick!

What is a Swedish massage?

One of the most common massages that people get is the Swedish massage. The goal of the massage is to improve overall health and help the body feel more energetic.

The massage therapist will use a lot of techniques such as vibration, tapping percussion, kneading, and rolling.

Also, you can expect the therapist to use an oil or lotion because this helps with saving the skin from damage caused by friction.

What is a Deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is often performed to improve one’s muscle and skeletal health. Most commonly, this type of massage is offered to people who have strains, or have suffered from major injuries.

During this massage, the massage therapist will basically apply sustained pressure and this is done with the help of slow strokes that target the deeper layers of the muscles and connective tissues.

When this is done, the scar tissue reduces and the muscles become less stiff.

A deep tissue massage is typically used to treat the following:

  • Sports injuries
  • Sciatica
  • High blood pressure
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Tennis elbow
  • Plantar fasciitis

So, which one should you get?

There are a few major differences between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage which will give you more clarity. These are as follows:

  • Focus area: A Swedish massage is used to massage the upper layers of tissues and muscles. The idea is to apply pressure to tension or stress areas, such as the shoulders, back, and neck. On the other hand, a deep tissue massage is used to apply pressure to the deeper layers of the muscles to help treat chronic pain and injuries.
  • Level of pressure: Both the massage types have two different types of pressure that are used. In a Swedish massage, the pressure is much lighter. The massage therapist normally uses the pads of the fingers or the palms to apply gentle pressure. In a deep tissue massage, a lot of pressure is applied as the effects of the massage need to penetrate to the deeper layers of the muscles. The massage therapist may use the forearms and elbows, along with the palms and fingers to apply pressure.
  • The intention of massage: A Swedish massage is used to help you relax. It gets rid of stress in the muscles that are caused due to everyday activities. A deep tissue massage is used to treat chronic pain and other major conditions.

Figuring out which massage you need to get depends entirely on your needs. If you have suffered an injury, then it makes sense to go for deep tissue massage therapy, rather than a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage will not effectively cure your chronic pain, so you may not feel satisfied with the results.

To know more about getting a deep tissue massage and where you need to go, all you need to do is check this link: https://pressmodernmassage.com/

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About the Creator

Phil Stephan

Strategic content partner and digital marketing specialist at Dignitas Digital

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