Two of the most popular types of massage therapies right now are deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. These two types of massages bear a lot of similarities. However, they also have some significant differences, and as a result, people will find themselves preferring one over the other.

Beyond the simplicity of what one may prefer, there are conditions or situations that may make one type of massage therapy better suited for you. How can you know if what you need is a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage?

Swedish Massage

This type of therapy is also known as the classic massage, and this is the one many people will be familiar with. The emphasis of this type of massage is relaxation. It is used to loosen tight muscles such as what people experience after days of sitting in front of computers or doing light exercises. It's also a good choice for people with a lot of stress in their neck, lower back or shoulders.

Long strokes, kneading, passive joint movements, and deep circular movements are some of the techniques used when performing a Swedish massage. You can ask the therapist to apply firm, medium or light pressure.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage uses many of the same techniques used in a Swedish massage, however, as the name suggests, it targets the deep tissues such as inner muscle layers, fascia, and tendons. This means that more pressure is applied, and as a result, the patient may find it a little painful.

A deep tissue massage is usually good for runners, athletes, and people with injuries. It's also recommended for people with chronic pains. In this regard, it is similar to chiropractic massage since its primary purpose is the treatment of certain conditions and not relaxation.

Apart from what a therapist would normally use during a Swedish massage, they may also use their knuckles and elbows in this type of massage to increase the pressure applied.

Which Massage is Right for You?

If you are a beginner, it may not be a good idea to jump straight into the deep end. Deep tissue massages require a lot of relaxation otherwise the level of pain may be higher. You may need a few sessions to ease the tension in the upper layer of muscles first.

You should also be upfront about the level of pressure that you're comfortable with. Pain isn't always productive to the process.