Swedish, Sports or Deep Tissue Massage - What’s the difference?
Contributor - Cecilia Goodman
It is rare that all of an individual’s massage therapy needs/goals are completely met or fully addressed in a single visit, single modality (i.e. swedish, deep tissue, sports) session. For most of us bodywork connoisseurs and first time massage clients alike, we are often left wanting more.
There have been countless sessions I have facilitated and received when the 60 minute mark comes and my thought is “Please don’t let it be over yet.” Because we are complex individuals with complex and varied lifestyles, I have found that over time an integrated approach to bodywork is most effective.
I like to approach bodywork not as sessions limited to or centered around specific modalities. Instead, I like to focus on; as Sandy Fritz states in her book Sports & Exercise Massage : Comprehensive care in Athletics, Fitness & Rehabilitation, “...the application of mechanical force to stimulate the neuroendocrine / neuromuscular systems, to affect myofascial structure and function, to assist fluid movement and support homeostasis.”
It is important to understand that soft tissue manual manipulation not only produces physical benefits but also triggers physiological and psychological responses. A few common massage therapy modalities are Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports massage. I will breakdown some of their specific indications as well as some of their overlapping benefits.
SPORTS MASSAGE:
Meant to support fitness, aid in reducing the demands the sport / activity places on the body, enhance the performance of activity and reduce recovery time. Pressure may vary depending on the client’s specific needs. The client may be asked to actively participate in stretches or range of motion exercises.
BENEFITS OF SPORTS MASSAGE:
Pre-event or Post-event body work
Goal oriented sessions
Focused on specific body parts or muscular functions
Recovery or injury prevention
Relief from muscle soreness / stiffness to better execute training program
Scar tissue management
Fluid movement
Helps restore impared muscle function
Uses client’s bones as levers to help dissolve adhesions in joint capsules
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE:
Meant to address tissue abnormalities (i.e. adhesions, knots, scar tissue) that may not be superficial or easy to access. Heavy pressure is administered in a slow and gradual progression.
BENEFITS OF DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE:
Heavy pressure may be generally preferred by client
Targets old injuries and scar tissue associated with chronic pain
Targets adhesions in muscles / connective tissue due to repetitive microtraumas
Dissolve trigger points
Breaks up scar tissue to stimulate the body’s own healing response
Relax contracted muscles
Release torsion in connective tissue
SWEDISH MASSAGE:
Meant to increase circulation throughout the body and promote relaxation. Light to medium pressure is administered in long flowing strokes and kneading generally directed toward the heart. Swedish massage can be highly sedative and is an ideal modality to incorporate adjunct therapies such as aromatherapy, breathwork or guided meditation.
BENEFITS OF SWEDISH MASSAGE:
Lengthen tissues
Helps eliminate cellular debris
Encourage detoxification
Increased relaxation decreases stress and helps the body return to homeostasis
Reduction of stress leads to clarity of the mind
Promotes higher quality of sleep
Relieves sore or stiff muscles
COMMUNICATION IS KEY WITH YOUR PRACTITIONER
Massage therapy is beneficial for physical, mental/emotional and spiritual health. It is important to always have open communication with your massage practitioner before, during and after your sessions so that we can tailor your experience to best meet your needs.
Interested in the body work modalities Saffron & Sage provides?
