Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage

People often tend to think of Swedish massage and deep tissue massage as similar to each other but the truth is they are quite different. Here is look at the difference between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered massage technique, utilizing a firm pressure on the muscles. It involves employing a series of long yet gliding strokes. In this technique the massage therapist also kneads the muscles and makes some vibrating taps on the body. The therapists concentrate on improving the blood circulation, easing the tension in the body’s muscles and improving the muscles’ flexibility.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that aims at affecting the deeper tissue structure of the muscles. It also affects the connective tissue, known as fascia. It utilizes a large number of similar techniques and movements as the Swedish massage, but the movements tend to have much more pressure. The deep tissue massage is a more focused massage. During it the massage therapist tends to concentrate on releasing specific chronic muscle tension as well as the muscular knots, or adhesions.

A Swedish massage is given to help with increasing the flow of oxygen in the blood as well as releasing toxins from the body’s muscles. It can really shorten the recovery time for a muscular strain by simply flushing the lactic acids, uric acids, and other type of metabolic wastes out of the body tissues.

Swedish massage is given to increase the circulation of blood without actually increasing the workload of the heart. It helps to stretch the ligaments and tendons to make them pliable and supple. It stimulates the skin as well as the nervous system to soothe the nerves. It is helpful in reducing both emotional and physical stress. In fact the massage is a staple in most stress management programs. It is also included in various other therapeutic procedures.

Deep tissue massage helps with both small muscle injuries as well as chronic problems. Massage is an excellent way to deal with a whiplash injury or a sports injury. Deep tissue massage is helpful in treating spasms as well as muscle tension.

Physicians sometimes prescribe deep tissue massage for the pain of Fibromyalgia or Osteoarthritis. It also helps to correct posture problems.

A Swedish massage may involve the use of various oils, especially essential oils, to reduce friction as well as for their aromatherapy benefits.

A deep tissue massage also may involve the use of various oils or lotions, but their application is a little different from the Swedish massage. At times, for deep work, oil or lotion is not necessary, and the best effect can come without them.