When it comes to booking a massage, we understand the different choices on offer can be overwhelming for some clients. Swedish and deep tissue massage are two of the most popular techniques on offer around the world. At A Mindful Root, we offer both options or combination massage treatments that utilize both techniques, and we believe the most important thing is offering a treatment that will work towards your personal goals. Today we’re going to look at the key differences between Swedish and deep tissue massage and when would be the best time to book either of these treatments.
What is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is an incredibly popular massage technique that many massage therapists around the world use. Swedish massage uses light to firm pressure and works to reduce stress and tension in the body and increase feelings of relaxation. It’s designed to energize your body, which is achieved by stimulating the body’s circulation. This massage technique dates back to the 1830s, when a Swedish fencing instructor first invented it. A couple of decades later, the technique was brought over to the US, and it’s now one of the most popular massage techniques used here today.
There are many benefits of Swedish massage for clients, and it’s the ideal treatment for anyone looking to relax and reduce tension in their body. Swedish massage encourages relaxation of the body, improved circulation, and dissolution of scar tissue adhesions. It’s the ideal option for anyone who is recovering from an injury and may want to try and speed up their healing. If you hold a lot of tension in your back, neck, or shoulders, this is the ideal treatment to target those areas of concern. A combination of movements will be used during your session, including long strokes, kneading, passive joint movements, and deep, circular movements. The treatment generally focuses on your whole body, but we can work with you to target areas of concern while adjusting the pressure to your needs.
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
While deep tissue massage has some similarities to Swedish massage, it’s generally used for different concerns and purposes. Deep tissue massage uses firm to harder pressure which helps to target the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. This treatment is ideal for anyone suffering from chronic pain and tension in their muscles and can assist with injury rehabilitation. It can also work to reduce inflammation which is caused by tendinitis, arthritis, and other conditions. Athletes and anyone who is particularly active will benefit from deep tissue massage as well as individuals with chronic pain.
Deep tissue massage works on the inner layers of the tendons, muscles, and fascia and uses many of the same movements as a Swedish massage would. Expect stroking and kneading movements to be used in Swedish massage, but with a greater level of pressure. For some individuals, they may find this pressure a little more painful, as opposed to the relaxation that’s associated with Swedish massage. Your massage therapist will generally use their fingers, fists, and elbows to reach the deep tissue. The treatment targets the muscle layer by layer, adding more pressure to help target each layer. It will help you on your path towards healing by relaxing the areas which are contracted and improving blood flow to reduce inflammation.
A Massage Treatment to Meet Your Specific Goals
Here at A Mindful Root, we work with our clients to offer a treatment that will meet their personal goals. Before starting your treatment, we will discuss your problem areas so that the treatment can work to target and release these parts of your body. A combination of both the Swedish massage and deep tissue massage techniques can be used to offer a healing yet relaxing treatment. It’s important that you work with your therapist to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment by communicating the level of pressure you are happy with. Be sure to mention any injuries or illnesses during your initial consultation so we can work together to tailor the treatment to your needs.
At A Mindful Root, we offer treatments for relaxation, pain relief, and to reduce tension. Our treatments are always tailored to the individual client, and we aim to offer a healing experience that targets your areas of concern. By using a combination of Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, we can create a massage treatment that is unique to you during a 60 or 90-minute session.
For further information or to book your first appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
