Getting a massage may seem like a luxury, but routine massages are essential for your health. Not only do massages help relieve stress, but they also stimulate circulation and help you flush out toxins from your lymphatic system. Regular massages can boost your mood as well! But when it comes to getting a massage, there are many to choose from. You’ve probably heard of deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and hot stone massage. The first two are immensely popular. Before we discuss the differences, let’s dive deeper into the basics.

What is a Swedish Massage?

A Swedish massage is the most common massage type available. It involves long strokes with light to firm pressure, depending on your preference. The long, gliding strokes promote relaxation, stimulate nerve endings and gently target sore muscle and pressure pain points. Swedish massage strokes are typically made in the direction of blood returning to the heart. How cool is that? 

Swedish massage also combines kneading, rubbing, and percussive techniques. You will also experience circular movements and passive joint movements. Sometimes your massage therapist will gently manipulate your hands, feet, and neck for a bit of stretching. Sometimes aromatherapy accompanies a Swedish massage through the massage oil itself or other elements in the massage treatment room (essential oils or candles). The ultimate goal of a Swedish massage is to reduce stress and tension while promoting circulation and blood flow. 

Benefits of a Swedish Massage

There are abundant benefits to Swedish massage. Beyond stress relief and feeling less sore, a Swedish massage can help brighten your skin, hair, and nails. This is due to the improved blood flow circulation delivering much-needed nutrients throughout your body. You may also feel energized due to increased circulation. If you experience anxiety, a Swedish massage can help reduce the cortisol levels in your body to promote relaxation. 

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

A deep tissue massage targets specific areas of muscles deep beneath the skin. Considered the go-to massage for athletes, deep tissue massages use firm pressure and kneading movements to get hard-to-reach areas. The firm pressure stretches the muscle’s connective tissues, allowing your massage therapist to hit the muscles that need it the most. 

Your massage therapist will work slower during the deep tissue massage. Despite the slower movements, deep tissue massages have a way of loosening up tight and knotted muscles quickly due to the firm and targeted approach. 

Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

If you have areas of knots throughout your body where the muscles are extremely tight, a deep tissue massage will help alleviate that tightness. Deep tissue massages can help you recover from injuries and reset your muscles after overuse. If you have high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, or even sciatica, a deep tissue massage may be perfect for you!

Deep Tissue vs. Swedish Massage

Now that you know the basics and the benefits, let’s compare these two massage methods side by side. Depending on the duration of your session, a Swedish massage can target more areas of the body due to the long strokes and techniques used. Swedish massages are an excellent choice if you want to improve your wellness and reduce overall tension. While you can get a Swedish massage to target specific aches and pains, you may not get 100% relief if the knots causing your discomfort are deeply embedded in your muscle tissue. 

Swedish massages are great for anyone new to massage because you can still enjoy the benefits even with light pressure. It gives you a good sense of what to expect during a massage. You may also discover different techniques you like, such as the kneading or percussion, and can ask your therapist to use more of those techniques. Swedish massages tend to cover the entire body.

Deep tissue massages target problem areas deep within the muscle tissue. The hard-to-reach knots, or tight muscles that are nearly impossible to release, benefit from deep tissue massage. The pressure used for deep tissue massages tends to be quite firm. Some clients report that deep tissue massages are painful due to the targeted approach to specific areas. However, this discomfort subsides after the massage as the muscles release. You will leave the spa feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and perhaps even more limber. 

Deep tissue massages focus on the body’s main muscle groups instead of the overall approach you find with Swedish massages. 

Choosing the Right Massage for You

If you are new to massage, consider booking a Swedish massage to get a feel for the treatment process. After your Swedish massage experience, you can determine if that type of massage is adequate or if you would benefit from a deeper, firmer, and more targeted treatment. When you get a massage, be sure to discuss the following with your massage therapist or practitioner:

• Any health conditions you may have or medications you may be taking. This will ensure your safety during the massage. 
• Any areas that should not be touched or manipulated. For example, if your shoulders easily dislocate, you will want to tell your massage therapist so they do not accidentally hurt you during the massage. 
• Areas that you would like to be targeted. 
• The type of pressure you prefer. Remember, if you say you want firm pressure and find it too firm, you can ask your therapist to lighten their touch. Massage therapists are in the business of making you feel good. They want you to enjoy your massage and will do what they can to accommodate your needs. 

Are you ready to dive into the world of relaxation and rejuvenation? Book a massage today at ZaZa Salon and Spa. The compassionate massage therapists are ready to answer any questions you may have. They can also recommend what type of massage you could benefit from based on your individual needs.