Whats the difference between Swedish, Deep Tissue Massage, and Sports Massage?
Swedish Massage is characterized by more superficial, flowing strokes, stretching, and general relaxation techniques to release muscle tension. Deep Tissue Massage is intended to be slower and deeper in the sense of staying in one muscle area for a longer time than would ever happen in Swedish-style massage, and sinking with the tissue very slowly as the muscle fibers and fascia gradually release. It can take several deep-tissue sessions to relieve pain and tension in one area of the body. When I go in for deep tissue work, the therapist spends the entire session on no more than 2 or 3 areas of my body, based on what I tell her is happening at that time. Whereas, for a Swedish Massage, you can expect a full-body approach, and the therapist will assume you want your whole body massaged unless you tell him or her not to massage you in specific areas. (Of course they should always ask, when first meeting you, if there’s any place you do not want to be massaged or touched—like your feet, y
