Swedish Vs deep tissue massage(2022)

 

Introduction

Swedish massage vs deep tissue massage? Are they similar? Or do they have any differences?  Both Swedish and deep tissue massage are very important massage approaches used to produce bodily relaxations and for therapeutic treatments.

These two massage modalities strive to achieve the same end goal, that is relieving human suffering, reducing stress, and gaining optimal relaxation.

Even though these two massage techniques have the same ultimate purpose, which is enhancing overall health and well-being, they have several differences in applications and manual manipulations.

So, next, we will discuss the main similarities and differences between these two massage approaches.

Swedish massage Vs deep tissue massage

Swedish massage:

Swedish massage is one of the most popular rub techniques practiced worldwide. It is performed following long, soft, and smooth gliding strokes which encompass the whole body.

Its main purpose is to release muscle tensions and achieve bodily relaxations. Most of the time, it is done on the superficial layer of the skin, which includes muscles and connective tissues.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is also a popular massage technique but is practiced less frequently. This rub technique could also be done following the Swedish massage style, but, not always.

Its main purpose is to treat chronic muscle knots and injuries which occur much deeper than in the Swedish tissues and muscles. It is done more for therapeutic purposes. To learn more on Swedish Vs Deep Tissue Massage, Click Here.

Similarities between Swedish and deep tissue massage

• Both Swedish and deep tissue massage starts with warming up the superficial muscles of our body, intended to initiate relaxation and increase its responsiveness.
• When we start rubbing, At the beginning of the procedure, both Swedish and deep tissue massage starts with massaging of the superficial layer of our skin with slow and lighter pressure
• As deep tissue massage evolves later than Swedish massage, Swedish massage is the basis for the foundation of deep tissue massage.
• Both Swedish and deep tissue massage uses oils, gels, and lotions to achieve effective rubbing outcomes.
• Both Swedish and deep tissue massage are manipulated with the help of manual manipulations, but, sometimes, they may use other additional supportive instruments.
• Swedish and deep tissue massage strives to achieve the same end goal, i.e., improving the overall health and well-being of individuals. To learn more on Swedish massage, Click Here.

Difference between Swedish Vs deep tissue massage

Scope of the massage

Swedish massage:  Swedish massage is a full-body relaxing massage that encompasses the entire body. But, sometimes, there are instances where it can be limited to specific areas with the choice of the client/individual.

Deep tissue massage: Swedish massage is the basis of deep tissue massage, but, its application is not the same as Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage may or may not be full-body massage. Most of the time, it is focused and localized to some specific target areas, where the pain arises.

Purpose of therapy

Swedish massage: most probably, Swedish massage is used to soothe a day to day bodily activity tensions and strains to get ease and produce maximum relaxations. Individuals opt for it when they desire relaxation.

Deep tissue massage: most of the time, it is used to treat chronic pains, injuries, and muscle adhesions, giving both therapeutic and relaxing benefits. When individuals get stacked with chronic illnesses, they should have undergone deep tissue massage.

Intensity of pressure

Swedish massage: in Swedish massage, we apply long, soft strokes which range from light to firm pressure. It is performed following the five steps of Swedish massage like effleurage, Petri sage, vibration, friction, and taping techniques.

Deep tissue massage:  while the pressure in deep tissue massage starts with lighter and softer, it gets its intensity when it goes deeper and localized. Actually, the pressure applied is stronger than in Swedish massage. More forceful pressure is used to treat the deeper and internal source of pains.

Focus areas

Swedish massage: in Swedish massage, as it is used for relaxation purposes, the target areas are those which are the upper layer of our skin, encompassing the entire body. The superficial muscles and connective tissue are the main focus areas that are addressed via this rub technique.

Deep tissue massage: in deep tissue massage, the main areas are the internal layers of our skin. As it is used for therapeutic purposes, it mainly encompasses the deep layer of muscles and connective tissues, which are severely damaged by muscle knots and injuries. To learn more on Deep Tissue Massage, Click Here.

Candidates of these approaches

Swedish massage: Swedish massage is best suited for newbies who want to relax. As it is somewhat more comfortable than deep tissue massage, it is more favorable for beginners of massage therapy who want to release mild tensions and discomforts.

• Newbies who want to relax
• Beginners to any massage therapy
• Individuals who are tensioned with day to day activities and strains

Deep tissue massage: most of the time, deep tissue massage is used for therapeutic purposes. As a result, individuals who have internal and severe aches are the best candidates for this type of massage approach. These include:

• Individuals with chronic injuries or adhesions
• Athletes
• Runners
• Clients with Severe back pain
• Those who have Fiber and muscle aches
• Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia
• Myofascial knots and adhesion

To learn more on Swedish Vs Deep Tissue Massage, Click Here.

Side effects

Swedish massage: As Swedish massage is performed gently with light to firm pressure, except mild to moderate reversible temporary effects, it doesn’t pose a severe and threatening effect.

Deep tissue massage: even though deep tissue massage starts with gentler and light pressure, its pressure intensity increases as it goes deeper and deeper.

These forceful strokes could cause blood vessel blockages resulting in a stroke, which is a life-threatening fatal consequence. So, it should be done with strict precautions.

So, which one do you prefer? How do you know that?

Above, we have seen what makes these two approaches, Swedish and deep tissue massage similar and different. So, how do you know which either of them is suitable for you?

Even though you may have some know-how, before you rush into any conclusions and procedures, you should consult your massage therapist on the options of these massage therapies.

In addition to your preference, the massage therapist will help you in selecting and deciding the best options available with regard to your ailments and diseases.

Your massage therapist will examine and diagnose you, which approach may suit your case. So, stick to this way of proceedings.

Expected results of both Swedish and deep tissue massage

• Muscle relaxations
• Reduce muscle pains
• Reduce anxiety, stress
• Release adhesions,
• Release muscle knots
• Release muscle spasms
• Reduce scar tissue,
• Lengthen muscles and fascia
• Boost mood
• Enhance health and wellness
• Improve the quality of life

In a nutshell, Swedish and deep tissue massage are among the main and popular massage approaches which are used worldwide.

Both massage styles give a tremendous benefit in enhancing the overall health and wellness of individuals, which leads to improved quality of life.

If you have any suggestions, advice, or else, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.