What is the Difference Between Swedish Massage Therapy and Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?

Whether you just want to get some weekend relaxation or you're looking for relief from chronic pain due to injuries, a massage can be helpful. There are different types of massage therapy in Jacksonville, such as Swedish and deep tissue massage, which are useful for different things.

The actual experience of these two massages can also be different. Most people report that Swedish massage feels gentler and more relaxing. Deep tissue massage can cause a certain amount of discomfort because the therapist uses more pressure and holds it in certain trouble spots for extended periods of time.

However, if you're suffering from limited mobility due to an injury, or you have a condition such as arthritis or sciatica, then search for "massage near me," and you'll find that deep tissue massage can be really helpful in relieving your pain and increasing your mobility.


Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is probably the most widely-practiced form of massage, at least in the West. Generally, when you think of a massage, with its long, flowing strokes and kneading movements, what you're thinking of is a Swedish massage.

At The Wellness Hub, the classic Swedish massage is accompanied by hot towels, hot stones and aromatherapy, making it an experience in which you will truly relax and let go of all your daily stresses.

Here are some interesting facts about Swedish massage:

• Movements: The movements used in the Swedish massage include effleurage—long, flowing strokes, petrissage—kneading and rolling motions, tapotement—tapping and rhythmic percussion, friction and vibration.
• Physical Benefits: Together, all the above movements help to warm up, release knots, energize the body and improve flexibility. They can also lead into enhanced blood circulation, better sleep and pain relief.
• Mental Benefits: In addition to the physical benefits of Swedish massage, there are also mental benefits, such as stress relief, relaxation, improvement in mood and increased focus and concentration.
• Purpose: Swedish massage is a great option for anyone who is looking for relaxation and stress relief. It's also good for relieving mild muscle tension such as what we generally experience from a sedentary lifestyle.
• Massage Accessories: The hot towels used at the beginning of (or sometimes during) massage help to relax the muscles and make them more pliable. Hot stones are also used to relax particular areas of the body which might be tighter. Additionally, your therapist will use different types of essential oils to enhance relaxation or relieve pain.

Deep Tissue Massage

Swedish massage therapy in Jacksonville is great for just about anyone looking for relaxation or mild pain relief. But if you're suffering from a condition such as sciatica, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis or repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, then you might need a more intense form of massage i.e. deep tissue massage.

At The Wellness Hub, deep tissue massage can include different modalities such as cupping, stretching, Reiki and trigger point therapy. The appropriate modality, when added to your massage, can help with pain relief and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Here are some interesting facts about deep tissue massage:

• Technique: In deep tissue massage, your therapist will use long, deep strokes. They also use cross-fiber friction, in which the strokes are perpendicular to your muscle fibers, to separate them. At times, they might place static pressure on certain spots which helps to release the knots more effectively. In general, you'll find that the pressure is more in deep tissue massage than Swedish massage, but you can communicate with your therapist if it feels too much for you.
• Pain Relief: Deep tissue massage can provide pain relief for anyone with a chronic pain condition, such as sciatica, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia etc. If you have chronic pain in your lower back or an arm or leg condition, such as tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis, deep tissue massage can be helpful.
• Increased Mobility: If you've been suffering from chronic pain, then it's likely that you've had limited mobility for a while. Deep tissue massage can lead to a reduction in pain and a consequent increase in mobility. Plus, if you've had an injury, deep tissue massage can help to break down scar tissue which might be limiting your mobility.
• Mental Benefits: In addition to the physical benefits, deep tissue massage has a lot of mental benefits too. It leads into an increase in serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin in the brain, all of which help you to feel good. Plus, you'll also get better sleep after deep tissue massage.
• Modalities: When you get a deep tissue massage, you can also opt for one of the modalities that go with it, such as reiki, cupping, trigger point therapy etc. By focusing on your chakras (reiki), increasing blood flow by using cups (cupping) and focusing on specific muscle knots which are causing a lot of pain in a particular area of the body (trigger point therapy), you can get further relief from pain and an enhanced feeling of physical and mental wellbeing.

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Booking a Massage In Jacksonville, Florida

If you're wondering whether to opt for Swedish massage or deep tissue massage therapy in Jacksonville, keep in mind that Swedish massage is a more relaxing experience while deep tissue massage can be intense and, at times, uncomfortable.

If you search for "massage therapy near me," you'll find that Swedish massage is great for stress-busting and relieving normal aches and pains caused by a sedentary lifestyle. However, deep tissue massage is useful for chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia etc. It's also great for people who are suffering from limited mobility, either due to a medical condition or an injury. 

At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida we offer a service called "The Advanced Relax and Relief Massage." This service combines the best of both worlds from relaxation massage and deep tissue massage. When you come in for your appointment, speak to your massage therapist about which type of massage will be best for your needs.




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We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond.

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