7 Key Differences: Swedish vs. Deep Tissue Massage

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 95% of surveyed individuals consider massage beneficial to health and wellness. So, it’s no wonder that 62% of massage consumers got one for a health or medical reason, such as pain relief, in the 12 months ending June 2024.

Two of the most popular therapeutic massage types are Swedish and deep tissue massage. While they share similarities, such as helping with sore and tight muscles, they also have several distinctions.

To that end, the MPOWER Physical Therapy team put together this massage therapy comparison guide on Swedish massage vs. deep tissue massage. Read on to discover how they differ and gain insights to help you choose the best one for your needs.

1. Pressure

Swedish massage, sometimes called “classic massage,” uses light to moderate pressure, making it gentler than deep tissue massage. The therapist will use their fingers and apply oil or lotion to facilitate smoother strokes.

Your Swedish massage therapist may also ask if you prefer an essential oil. According to a study published on ScienceDirect.com, essential oils may modulate and impact health, mood, comfort, and well-being through therapeutic properties. So, their use may enhance the Swedish massage experience by boosting the therapy’s calming and relaxing effects.

Conversely, deep tissue massage uses considerably more pressure to reach the deep muscle tissue. Your therapist will use specialized techniques to manipulate the tissues layer by layer. In addition to their fingers and fists, they may use their elbows to access and stretch the deep tissues.

2. Treatment Goals

Swedish massage aims to provide relaxing effects by releasing muscle tension. It may help reduce soreness and loosen tight muscles often caused by daily activities like exercising and sitting for prolonged periods in front of the computer.

Deep tissue massage can facilitate healing by releasing contracted muscles and tissues. The firm pressure in this massage technique may help boost blood flow to the soft tissues, helping them recover. Increasing circulation can also help reduce pain often caused by inflammation.

3. Stroke Style

If you opt for a Swedish massage, expect your therapist to use long, fluid strokes characterized by:

• Kneading
• Deep circular motions
• Passive joint movements

During a deep tissue massage, the therapist employs stroke styles similar to those used in a Swedish massage, especially during the early parts of the therapy. However, they also use broad and pinpoint strokes and apply firmer pressure as they progress and work on problem areas.

4. Treatment Goals

The techniques used in a Swedish massage aim to:

• Be relaxing
• Stimulate nerve endings
• Enhance blood flow
• Facilitate lymph drainage

Deep tissue massage has the same effects as a Swedish massage. However, it can also help promote muscle healing and recovery. Its firmer pressure can target deeper sections of taut and contracted muscles and tissues.

5. Areas of Focus

The treatment areas during a traditional Swedish and deep tissue massage may overlap, as both can be full-body therapy. However, unlike Swedish massage, which always involves the entire body, you can have a deep tissue massage tailored to specific problem areas.

For both types of massage, you’ll start with you either on your back or stomach. Halfway through the session, your therapist will ask you to flip over.

Full-Body Swedish Massage

Although a Swedish massage is a whole-body therapy, you can always ask your therapist to spend more time on specific areas of concern. For example, say you have neck pain, a common condition that, according to an article by Harvard Health Publishing, 15% of U.S. adults experience. If so, you can request your therapist to pay more attention to your neck.

Full-Body or Targeted Deep Tissue Massage

Since a deep tissue massage can be a whole-body or a targeted therapy, a highly experienced and skilled massage therapist will always ask you about your concerns before starting the session. Tell them whether you want a full-body session or need them to focus only on problem areas.

A deep tissue massage will target the inner layers of:

• The muscles
• Tendons
• The dense connective tissue called fascia

The therapist will begin by warming your muscles with techniques that may feel like a traditional relaxation massage. Once your muscles have warmed up, the therapist will switch to firmer pressure and work deep into your target areas.

6. Intended Outcome

Do you experience high levels of stress and anxiety? If so, you’re not alone; according to an April 2024 report from Gallup, nearly half of all Americans (49%) say they frequently experience stress. It also notes that people who feel more stressed sleep less, and sleeping less can induce even more stress.

The good news is that stress and anxiety relief are among the potential Swedish massage benefits you may enjoy. Because it aims to be a relaxing massage therapy, it may ease stress and anxiety.

While it can also help promote relaxation, one of deep tissue massage’s advantages is that it can be a helpful therapy for injuries and stiffness. Since it targets deeper layers of tissue and muscles, it can encourage healing, helping you recover faster and be on your feet sooner.

7. Who Should Get Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage

Choosing the right massage depends on what you wish to gain from the therapy. For example, a Swedish massage may be your better option if you want relaxation and tension relief from your neck or shoulders.

However, a deep tissue massage is better if you’re an athlete, runner, or have sustained an injury. Likewise, it’s an ideal choice if you have a chronic pain condition like lower back pain or fibromyalgia.

Experience Relaxation and Recovery With MPOWER Physical Therapy

In this Swedish massage vs. deep tissue massage comparison guide, you learned that the former is primarily for relaxation and stress relief. On the other hand, the latter provides both while also facilitating muscle healing and recovery. So, if your goal is to improve overall personal wellness and performance, consider deep tissue massage.

At MPOWER Physical Therapy, we specialize in medical and orthopedic approaches. Our team comprises physical therapists, massage therapists, personal trainers, and nutrition experts with decades of combined experience. All our locations (two in Nashville, one in Franklin, and another in Brentwood, TN) boast state-of-the-art equipment, from AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmills to full-weight rooms.

Reach out today to learn more about our services or book an appointment!