DEEP TISSUE VS SWEDISH MASSAGE

In turn you can expect the following benefits from a deep tissue treatment:

Increased circulation
Increased range of motion
Assist in preventative care for injury
Assist in general injury rehab
Reduce soft tissue tension
Decrease chronic pain patterns
Promote deep relaxation

Deep tissue massage uses similar techniques as you would see in Swedish Massage, the main difference being the variation in pressures used. The pressure applied in deep tissue techniques can sometimes be painful. This is due to your therapist needing to employ firm techniques with the assistance of fists and elbows. In the days following your deep tissue massage you can expect a reasonable amount of soreness. Your therapist will most likely recommend using ice, heat, stretching and foam rolling to assist in easing the soreness quickly and prolong the benefits of the massage.

Here are some examples of deep tissue techniques that you can expect:

Pin & Stretch:

This technique involves the therapist applying a precise pressure within the muscle belly, creating the “pinning” component. They will then move one of the muscle attachments away from this “pinned” point.

Trigger Point therapy:

Trigger point therapy involves locating the nodules within the muscles bellies and holding for a sustained period until pain eases or a twitch response is elicited.

Compressions:

This technique can involve the joint and muscle. The therapist will stabilize a joint or palpate a muscle and apply a repetitive compression to the chosen area.

Cross fibre friction:

Cross-fiber friction can be applied to a muscle, tendon or ligament. The therapists will repetitively roll back and forth over the muscle, acting against the tissues fibres.

Swedish massage is the basis for many deep tissue techniques, sharing many similar benefits. Where deep tissue is aimed to be forceful and target deeper layers of muscle. Swedish techniques makes use of light, long and continuous strokes to assist in easing surface tension and increase circulation to muscle tissues. This style of massage is best suited for people simply wanting to relax.

You can expect similar benefits as deep tissue massage and they are as follows:

Relaxation
Improved sleep & mood
Increased circulation
Reduce soft tissue tension
Increased range of motion

Your therapist will always aim to treat the whole body during Swedish massage. However, during treatment you can request more time spent on higher tension areas rather than having a whole body release performed and pressure can also be increased upon request.

Here are some examples of Swedish massage techniques that you can expect:

Effleurage:

This technique involves long, gentle and continuous strokes along the line of the muscle fibres.

Friction:

This technique involves short and fast strokes that can be small or large in size, creating heat over the skin’s surface and breaking up stubborn tissues.