What is the difference between Deep Tissue Massage and Swedish Massage?

In the world of bodywork and massage, techniques are categorized by modality. Modalities have different styles of body work and approaches that are based on emotional and physical. In this article I will only be focusing on two major modalities within the massage world: Swedish massage and Deep Tissue massage. Our Massage therapists here at Body Balance Massage and Float are certified in both. What are the differences between both of them?

Deep Tissue Massage includes specific work on fascia and muscle tissues surrounding them; the pressure is much more focused through static or friction based movements. The purpose of this is to enhance adhesions and hyper tonicity in specific muscle groups and individual muscles. Swedish Massagne has all the benefits of a Deep tissue massage American Fork but is also used to increase kinesthetic awareness, range of motion, and reduce the time frame of post-workout recovery.

Swedish Massage is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. Typically this is a full body, relaxation-based flow that involves the use of lotion or oil. In order to release as well as motivate the circulatory system to enrich cells throughout the body with fresh oxygen and nutrients, it involves slow and long moves to allow superficial tissues. Swedish massage also supports the lymph system, a network that closely follows arteries and veins to provide the body’s first line of defense against infection and disease  and help filter out cellular waste. In total, Swedish massage is mainly for relaxation by lowering levels of ACTH(stress hormones) and cortisol.

• What is kinesthetic awareness? This is the connection between your nervous system and muscles. It is the awareness you have of where and how you move your body is in space. The more control you will have over your body and the more agile you will become as soon as your kinesthetic awareness improves.

• Why is increasing range of motion important? The healthier the muscles are that surround your joints, the more capable your body will be throughout general movements. Your body becomes more comfortable while moving when you have full range of motion within your joints. Therefore, your body performs without pain and/or limitation.

Overall, Swedish and Deep Tissue massage promote healing by:

• Increasing kinesthetic awareness
• Alleviating muscle tension
• Stimulating the circulatory system to efficiently increase nutrient/ oxygen levels in cells
• Energizing the lymph system for efficient removal of waste in cells
• Increasing range of motion

At Body Balance Float And Spa, our purpose is to provide each person with the optimal massage techniques to address their ongoing needs to improve well-being. Therefore, each session doesn’t always have to be only one type of massage but can be a combination of any of the modalities the practitioner knows. The Massage Therapists at BBMassageandfloat love to individualize each session in order to see the most positive results in their client’s overall health and tissues.