Each of these highly therapeutic forms of massage is an excellent way to restore and maintain one’s health and overall well being. In addition to promoting relaxation and de-stressing, Swedish and deep tissue massage are also ideal in speeding the recovery of many physical ailments including sports injuries, back problems, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder and tight or tense muscles.
Although the benefits of Swedish and deep tissue massage are the same, there are differences in the approach and technique between the two — specifically how the body’s muscle groups are addressed within each type of massage.
Swedish Massage
If you prefer a lighter touch, Swedish massage can be ideal as it works on the top, “superficial” layer of muscles without going too deep. Swedish massage is a more general, whole-body treatment where all the major muscle groups are typically addressed. Some clients prefer Swedish because it’s easier for them to relax when the pressure is light.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage is essentially what it sounds like — deep work that goes beyond the top layer of muscles addressed in Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is typically more specific, meaning we’ll work on certain muscles or muscles groups during a treatment, as opposed to the whole body. Some clients can’t relax unless the pressure of a massage is deep, making deep tissue their massage of choice.
It’s important to note that neither form of massage is intrinsically better than the other. What it comes down to is what works best for you and what you’re more comfortable with. In other words, it’s all about …
At Lighthouse Healing, each massage is customized to you.
From treatment plans, to the deepness of the pressure, every session is unique. Before your first massage, I’ll ask a brief series of specific questions to gain an understanding your situation and your health goals, which allows me to create the most beneficial massage treatments possible. In subsequent sessions, I’ll also check in with you about how you’re feeling, and we’ll make adjustments to your treatment plan when necessary.
My philosophy is to look at each individual as a whole person, because many times a pain in your neck could be caused by a problem with another part of your body like your feet or back. Psychological and emotional stress are also leading causes of physical problems. Treating each person as a whole allows me to address the symptom as well as its underlying cause. This makes for happy and healthy clients!
Both deep tissue and Swedish massage are performed on a massage table using oil or cream to lubricate the skin. The temperature of the room, and the table, is adjusted to your preference, while music, candles, heated pillows and eye pillows are available upon request. Before our initial session, a health assessment is performed.
Wisconsin state law requires that the client to be properly draped at all times.
Have questions about Swedish or deep tissue massage?
Feel free to contact Lighthouse Healing Massage Therapy with questions or for additional information.
