What To Expect in a Swedish Session 

Today's interpretation of Swedish massage has been heavily influenced by the spa movement, causing many people to consider Swedish a light treatment, consisting mainly of long, gliding strokes that promote relaxation. Although Swedish techniques can easily be adapted in this direction, a classic Swedish session is much more than a superficial treatment..The essence of Swedish massage is a thorough kneading and wringing out of the muscles to increase circulation of both blood and lymph, aid the body in removing toxins and relax the nervous system and the muscles.  

As the body is kneaded, the skilled Swedish practitioner will pay extra attention to scar tissue and areas where collagen in the muscle fiber has hardened, using cross fiber friction to further warm and soften the tissue. A Swedish session will also include percussive tapping, jostling or vibrating motions to increase blood flood to the surface, loosen adhesions and communicate relaxation throughout the body.  Finally, rotating, stretching and flexing the joints with both active and passive resistance is part of a classic Swedish routine.

Deep Tissue Massage 

Deep tissue massage is not a massage style or routine, but a variety of techniques aimed at releasing deeper-lying muscles, trigger points and fascial restrictions that often are at the root of postural imbalances and chronic pain.  While a Swedish massage is an overall treatment with many health benefits, deep tissue techniques are used to address specific problem areas.  Included are trigger point work, myo-fascial release, neuromuscular therapy, positional release and muscle energy technique.  Deep tissue also includes both cross-fiber and long-fiber friction, with slow, concentrated focus.   

Deep tissue techniques are effective for treating long-term, chronic conditions or for initial treatment of acute injuries.  They do not provide the circulatory benefits of a vigorous, Swedish massage and may not promote deep relaxation.  Swedish, on the other hand, may not be as effective in correcting postural imbalances or bringing lasting pain relief and functional improvement.  

Massage therapists at New Seattle massage, skilled in deep tissue techniques, often combine elements of Swedish massage with deep tissue for effective treatment.   

Getting the Type of Massage You Want   

Given the spa influence, which has shifted the public perception of Swedish, clients sometimes request "Deep Tissue" to be sure to get a thorough, physical working over of their muscles - something that really gets the knots out versus just gliding over the surface.  If this is the type of massage you prefer, classic Swedish massage with a medium to firm or very firm touch may be what you really want. Many deep tissue techniques do not use firm pressure and, because the work is focused and specific, requesting deep tissue may not give you the overall muscle work out you would like. Instead let us know that you want a firm touch and a thorough kneading or request a combination of firm Swedish and deep tissue techniques. 

If you have experience with trigger point work, myo-fascial release and other deep tissue techniques and have found these most effective for you, be sure to schedule with someone with these skills. For injury recovery or long-standing conditions that cause pain or restrict your movement, choose someone skilled in deep tissue and injury treatment.  

Specific Deep Tissue Techniques   

Manual therapies such as positional release and muscle energy technique work effectively to mobilize joints, release muscle spasm and restore normal muscle function without firm pressure. You may not feel the results until you get off the table or even until the next day when you notice improved posture, freer movement and less pain.  Myo-fascial release uses sustained, gentle pressure to release fascial restrictions, which cause postural imbalances and restrict movement. Trigger point work and neuromuscular therapy apply pointed pressure to extinguish trigger points and restore normal neuro communication to the muscles.  The pressure is adjusted so as not to exceed the client's pain tolerance, during the treatment.  By contrast, concentrated cross and/or long fiber friction may be very intense.  The areas worked may remain painful and tender for a couple of days, following your massage. Your practitioner will often advise the use of cold packs or a combination of cold alternating with hot packs after such a session.  

On the Softer Side 

If you are particularly sensitive to touch or want a gentle, soothing massage, let us know when you schedule your appointment.The comfort of nurturing touch can be especially important when dealing with grief, post surgery or whenever one feels especially fragile. At such times, request a gentle massage with a light to medium touch, Reiki or cranial sacral work.  Many of our most experienced practitioners are especially good at providing this type of session, as well as highly effective, focused treatment massage. 

The more you tell us about your goals and preferences for the session, the better we can help you select the right therapist.