What’s the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHTon July 31, 2018— Written by Corinne O’Keefe Osborn

What happens during a Swedish massage?

During a Swedish massage, therapists use kneading, long strokes, deep circular movements, and passive joint movements. These techniques are meant to relax you, stimulate nerve endings, and increase blood flow and lymph drainage.

A traditional Swedish massage involves the whole body. You will begin on either your back or your stomach and flip over at the halfway point. If you have an area of particular concern, such as a tight neck, you can ask your therapist to spend more time in this area. Depending on your preferences, you can ask your massage therapist to use light, medium, or firm pressure.

During most full-body massages the expectation is you’ll be undressed. Your massage therapist will ask you to undress for your massage while they wait outside. It’s up to you whether or not to keep your underwear on. Your massage therapist will drape a sheet over your body, which they will pull back and adjust as they work their way around. You will be covered most of the time.

Your massage therapist will use an oil or lotion to allow for smooth and long stokes. They may also ask if you have a preferred scent for aromatherapy.

About deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but it goes farther. Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your muscles, tendons, and fascia (dense connective tissue). Deep tissue massage uses many of the same stroking and kneading movements as Swedish massage, but there is far more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful.

Deep tissue massage is best suited for athletes, runners, and people with injuries. It can also work for people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and lower back pain.

This type of massage facilitates healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help increase blood flow to the soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.

What happens during a deep tissue massage?

Before a deep tissue massage, you will discuss your problem areas with your therapist. A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focus only on one area. You will begin lying on your back or stomach, under a sheet. It’s up to you to what level you undress.

Deep tissue massages begin as a more traditional relaxation massage. After the muscles are warmed up, your massage therapist will begin to work deep into your problem areas. In addition to their palms, finger tips, and knuckles, your therapist may use their forearms or elbows to increase pressure.

It’s important to be open with your massage therapist about the level of pressure and discomfort you wish to endure. This may be different for certain areas and throughout the massage, feel free to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the massage. Some massage therapists find pain to be counterproductive to the process and expect you to speak up if the pain is too much.

You should expect a fair amount of soreness in the days following your deep tissue massage. Your therapist may recommend treating with ice, heat, or stretching.