Swedish & Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish Massage is the most commonly known massage & refers to the typical types of strokes most people are familiar with. The most common stroke, effluerage, is the long flowing stokes that help flush blood & lymph through the tissues as well as relax superficial muscles and flush toxins that have built up in those tissues. Some of the other aspects of Swedish massage can include kneading (like with dough), percussion (like karate chops or drums), compression (press & hold), friction (fast rubbing to produce heat), & jostling or rocking motions. Almost all massage will have some of these characteristics, so Swedish massage is a part of every massage.
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same strokes as Swedish massage, but can also include some other specific techniques to target specific areas of pain or increase range of motion. Typically, deep tissue massage has a firmer pressure that increases in intensity & depth, allowing deeper layers of muscles to be reached. Often, the massage begins with broader strokes and gradually focuses into a specific area. This allows the superficial muscles to warm up to allow deeper, more targeted, work. The amount & type of pressure tolerated by each individual varies greatly, so it is important to communicate with your therapist about your needs.
It is true, sometimes massage can be painful, but it usually results in a person feeling much better in the long run. However, it should be clearly understood that any type of work is only done with the permission of the client & even if originally given, can be changed at any time. You, as the client, must communicate with your therapist if your needs change. It is your body. Never allow someone to over-ride your tolerance. Often a minor adjustment can be made to reduce intensity while still maintaining effectiveness. A good therapist will keep you informed about what they are doing & why, so that you are a partner in your own healing. Many clients operate on the assumption that the massage therapist knows best because they understand anatomy, but if your therapist does not listen to you, it is time to look for someone who does.
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same strokes as Swedish massage, but can also include some other specific techniques to target specific areas of pain or increase range of motion. Typically, deep tissue massage has a firmer pressure that increases in intensity & depth, allowing deeper layers of muscles to be reached. Often, the massage begins with broader strokes and gradually focuses into a specific area. This allows the superficial muscles to warm up to allow deeper, more targeted, work. The amount & type of pressure tolerated by each individual varies greatly, so it is important to communicate with your therapist about your needs.
It is true, sometimes massage can be painful, but it usually results in a person feeling much better in the long run. However, it should be clearly understood that any type of work is only done with the permission of the client & even if originally given, can be changed at any time. You, as the client, must communicate with your therapist if your needs change. It is your body. Never allow someone to over-ride your tolerance. Often a minor adjustment can be made to reduce intensity while still maintaining effectiveness. A good therapist will keep you informed about what they are doing & why, so that you are a partner in your own healing. Many clients operate on the assumption that the massage therapist knows best because they understand anatomy, but if your therapist does not listen to you, it is time to look for someone who does.