Happy 2025! This year, we hope that you intend to fully put yourself first in regard to your physical and mental health. One way that Muscle Anthropology wants to help you stick to this resolution is through the art of massage! We offer a variety of types, but two massage techniques that are quite popular are Swedish and deep tissue. If you aren’t sure what these types of massages entail or are having trouble deciding which one to get, don’t worry. Both have their respective targeted benefits, though there are some differences as well. Our goal here is to help you decide what to book for you or your loved one. Valentine’s Day is creeping up on us, after all!
Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is actually one of the most common types of massage therapy in the Western world. When you think about getting a massage, the techniques used here are most likely the first that come to your mind. A Swedish massage is known to be calming, as it leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Here, a massage therapist may use gliding, kneading, tapping, or friction to target more superficial parts of your body. The light to moderate pressure used with these techniques aims to help relieve pent-up stress.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage generally uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It uses slower, deeper massage strokes to focus more on deeper muscles and their surrounding tissues. Typically, this offers relaxation as well as increases range of motion. A deep tissue massage can even release tension and pain from chronic conditions or injuries. The areas of focus are usually your neck, shoulders, back, or legs, though other areas can be worked as well.
Both Massage Techniques Have Their Benefits!
Of course, all massage techniques come with a laundry list of benefits, besides the expected relaxation and pain relief! A Swedish massage can alleviate anxiety, depression, and can even lower your blood pressure. You may even find your sleep quality to improve! An extra benefit for the ladies out there, Swedish massages have been known to aid in decreasing premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings. You could ditch the over the counter junk and treat yourself with a massage instead!
Deep Tissue massages, as previously mentioned, can help tremendously with chronic pain relief. If you have suffered an injury, deep and soft tissue release can help you in your recovery journey. You may see a reduction in stiffness and swelling and an increase in range of motion and healing of strains or sprains. As with Swedish massages, deep tissue can also help to reduce high blood pressure.
Risks and Side Effects
As with just about anything else, massages do come with some side effects. Many people worry that a deep tissue massage hurts. When done properly, it doesn’t have to! Always be sure to talk with your massage therapist about any concerns or even your goals before, during, or after treatment. If you are someone with a blood clotting disorder, increased risk of injuries (such as bone fractures), skin conditions. or if you had recent surgery, you may need to check with your doctor before getting a massage.
Show Yourself Some Love – Book Now!
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to show yourself or someone you care about some love! The proof of massage benefits is all in the research. We at Muscle Anthropology hope that this information helps you decide what type of massage technique will be best to book in the future. See you soon!