What's the difference between a deep tissue massage and a Swedish massage? I get asked this question at least once a week, so I figured I would enlighten all the blog readers about this.
There are several differences between the two modalities, or types of massage. First and foremost are the technique involved. In a Swedish massage there are various massage strokes that include effluerage (gliding), kneading, friction, stretching and tapping (slapping, hacking, cupping,flicking, and beating). In a true Swedish massage the therapists hands never stop moving even when switching techniques or parts of the body. In all Swedish massage, the therapist lubricates the skin with massage oil or cream and performs various massage strokes that warm up and work the muscle tissue, releasing tension and breaking up muscle "knots" or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension and creates other health benefits. You can receive a Swedish massage with light pressure, deep pressure and anywhere in between. Even with deep pressure only the superficial layer of muscles will be affected. Because of the techniques the deeper tissues and underlying muscles will most likely not be affected. Swedish massage is, however, the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage. Which brings me to Deep tissue.
Deep Tissue massage is a technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two. When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces every day - the water you drink while working out does NOT count as you sweat that out right away) after a deep-tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body. A deep tissue massage will use less massage oil or cream to create more friction. This also helps heat up the tissue better to get better results.
It's important to be realistic about what one deep tissue massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won't happen, and here's why: every muscle has fibers that each hold memory cells. If your muscles are held in a certain position for so long those cells remember that holding pattern. As therapists we have to reteach these muscles how to relax, which is why it can take several sessions before we see lasting relief. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage. Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can also produce profound release and realignment in the body. We will delve into that in a later post.
--Sylvia
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