Deep tissue massage is very similar to Swedish massage. Of course, in deeper massage, the pressures that are created on the muscles and joints are much deeper. There are some basic differences that you must know as a fan of massage therapy. In this article, we are going to learn more about these two massage differences.
Deep tissue massage Vs. Swedish massage
Many people mistakenly call these two massages the same, and this mistake is due to the definition of Swedish massage, which means a massage that works on the deep tissues of the body to repair muscle and skeletal damage.
Actually, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are two different types of massage. Both massages use some of the same strokes but differ greatly in the amount of pressure used and the different applications.
Here are the key differences between these two type of massages :
What are the technique differences
The Swedish massage, the massager uses slow and long strokes to increase blood circulation in the muscles, but in deep massage, the intensity and pressure on the muscles are higher. In fact, the severity of the stroke relieves the stresses of the deeper layers of the muscles and the connective tissues beneath the muscles.
Deep tissue massage creates more pressure rather Swedish massage
In the deep tissue massage, deeper pressure is applied than in the Swedish style, and the muscles are relieved of tension. The ultimate goal of this massage is to focus on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia. Both of these styles are very useful and effective for the body, but as mentioned, in deep tissue massage, deep pressures are created on parts of the body, which, compared to the Swedish method, causes better and more tissue destruction.
Actually, deep tissue penetrates the deepest layers of tendons, muscles, which causes a lot of stress and anxiety in people and also causes a regular heartbeat.
Deep tissue massage vs Swedish massage usage
Most people usually feel pain and discomfort during the massage process that can cause serious injuries to people, which usually occurs after deeper massage. The pain caused by the massage lasts for one to two days. Deep tissue massage is mainly used to treat chronic pain and exercise-related injuries.
But Swedish massage is mainly used to enhance relaxation and reduce muscle strain. Swedish massage is one of the most popular massages for relaxing the body. Light and gentle pressures, this type of massage removes muscle tension and stress from the body and gives the person a feeling of rejuvenating.
A study in the American Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people with high blood pressure decreased after 45 to 60 minutes of deep tissue massage. In addition, a 2010 analysis of this massage in the American Journal of Clinical Psychiatry showed that deep tissue massage. It also lowers stress hormone levels and lowers heart rate; While improving mood and calming the nerves is possible by stimulating and releasing oxytocin and serotonin.
What happens during deep tissue massage
Some of the techniques in this massage are taken from classical massage therapy, but the therapist’s hand movement is slower, and the pressure is deeper and focused on the areas of tension and pain.
This adhesion causes the blood circulation to stop, and you will feel pain, inflammation, and reduction of muscle mass, thus improving pain and normal movements. For this reason, the therapist usually uses a technique of direct and deep pressure or friction, which usually removes this adhesion in all parts of the body and muscles.
What happens during the Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that has less traction than deep tissue massage. Both types involve the use of the palm and fingers to massage and manipulate tissue, but the elbow and forearm may also be used to apply more pressure during deeper massage.
Focus points are different in deep tissue massage and Swedish massage
Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your muscles. Deep tissue massage is used to treat muscle and tendon injuries, pain, and stiffness in your muscle groups and joints. Swedish massage targets the superficial layers of the muscle and focuses on the parts of your body that have the most tension, such as the neck, shoulders, and back.