Did you know that over 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain?
The good news is that lots of therapeutic procedures exist now. But the variety is also its disadvantage. That’s why choosing between Swedish vs deep tissue massage or other methods can get confusing.
Don’t feel discouraged yet.
With this guide, you’ll learn the subtle differences between Swedish massage vs deep tissue massage. That way, you’ll know the method that works best with your situation. Read on and find out more.
Swedish Massage
This massage is the most common technique offered by professionals, hence its alternate name: classic massage. This technique aims to make your body relax through the release of muscle tension.
Compared to deep tissue massage, Swedish massage is gentler. That’s what makes it a better choice if you’re looking for relaxation and tension relief. If your muscles are tight because of exercise or sitting around the whole day, this massage can relieve the following body parts:
- Lower back
- Shoulders
- Neck
Swedish massage is great when your body has lots of tension in these places. If you live an active lifestyle, you’re likely to accumulate body tension. It matters not what activities you perform.
What Happens During a Swedish Massage?
Traditional Swedish massage sessions involve your entire body. In most cases, it starts on either your back or your stomach. At the halfway point, they flip you over.
If you’re concerned about a particular body part like your neck, ask your therapist to give more time massaging it. You have the choice to use either light, medium, or firm pressure.
Opting for full-body massages means getting undressed. Before starting, your massage therapist will tell you to take off your clothes while they wait outside the room. It’s your choice whether to keep your underwear on.
Once the session starts, your therapist will drape a sheet to cover your body. As they work around, they will adjust or pull it back. In the majority of the session’s period, you’re likely covered.
Your massage therapist uses either oil or lotion. That way, they can perform smooth and long strokes. Also, you’re likely to have a choice on what scent to use for aromatherapy.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage shares some similarities with its Swedish counterpart. The difference is that it goes further. It also has a different purpose, mostly for treating specific chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and lower back pain.
Deep tissue massage is your best choice if you’re an athlete or suffering from injuries. Take note, over 2.7 million Americans suffer from injuries because of vehicle crashes each year. When this happens, a deep tissue massage will target the inner layers of your muscles, tendons, and fascia.
Regardless, this massage method will use lots of the stroking and kneading movements seen in Swedish massage. The difference is that it has more pressure. It’s sometimes too intense that it becomes painful.
The reason is that therapists need to massage each layer of the muscle to reach the deeper muscle tissue. They do this by applying increasing levels of pressure and using special techniques. They use their fingers, fists, and sometimes elbows to reach these areas.
A deep tissue massage aims to make healing faster by releasing contracted muscle and tissue areas. This increases the blood flow to the soft tissues. The result is reducing inflammation.
What Happens During a Deep Tissue Massage?
Comparing Swedish back massage vs deep tissue massage, the latter requires prior discussions with your therapists. Before you can start, you must tell them where your problem areas are. This determines whether the procedure spans the entire body or focuses on a single area.
In this therapeutic procedure, you’ll start by lying on either your back or stomach. You’re under the cover of a sheet, and you determine your level of undress. With that, the session begins as a traditional relaxation massage.
After warming up the muscles, your therapist begins working deeper into your problematic areas. To apply significant pressure, they use their fingertips, knuckles, and palms. When needed, they will use their elbows and forearms.
You must talk with your massage therapist about the pressure level and discomfort you can endure. This can differ depending on the body area and it can change as the session progresses. That’s why it’s better to talk to them before and during the massage.
Some therapists think that pain is counterproductive to your healing process. When this is the case, don’t hesitate to speak up when you’re in too much pain. No matter what, you’re likely to feel soreness within a few days after the massage.
Swedish vs Deep Tissue: What are They Good For?
Knowing what to expect during treatment gives you an idea of the massages’ purpose. Here are some benefits to consider for both types of massage methods:
Swedish Massage
As mentioned before, this massage technique aims to relax your body. It uses light to medium pressure and long, smooth gliding strokes. This soothes your skin surface tension and the nervous system.
The result involves reducing both emotional and physical stress. That means your body tension dissipates along with your stress and anxiety. Your immune system also becomes stronger since your cortisol levels are lower.
With a Swedish massage, your muscle tissues also release toxins and other metabolic waste. That’s why you’ll see it as a staple component in most programs involving stress management along with a massage chair.
Deep Tissue Massage
This massage is the best for correcting postural misalignment either from injuries or bad habits. That’s why it’s effective for treating chronic low back pain.
If you have scars, deep tissue massages are best for breaking up these tissues. It’s also the best for improving your muscle flexibility.
Try Out Massages Today!
These are the things you must remember when comparing Swedish vs deep tissue massages. Use this to determine the right method to make your body feel better.
But don’t stop pampering yourself here. Discover even more ways to take care of yourself by checking our guides right here!