Massage therapy is an ancient natural treatment that can relieve pain, improve joint and muscle function, reduce anxiety and stress, and soothe sore muscles. However, not all massage techniques are created equal.
The five main forms of massage therapy are Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Shiatsu Massage Therapies, Sports massage, and Acupressure. Each type of massage has its own benefits and issues.
Side Note: Be aware of the difference between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage!
Swedish Massage is a type of massage that uses long gliding strokes, kneading, firm pressure, friction, friction with the added movement of the limbs, or vibration. Swedish has many benefits for those with joint issues or muscle pain. Focusing on using long strokes with lots of pressure on your muscles helps to break down muscle tension in your joints and speed up the circulation of your blood. Additionally, Swedish Massages are great for those who often have pain from sitting or sleeping on their back.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that uses deep pressure and friction to stimulate muscles in the body and release tension. This type of massage should only be done by a trained therapist to avoid injury. The benefits of deep tissue massage include alleviating pain, improving mental outlook, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles after injury or surgery, increasing the release of endorphins, and boosting energy levels.
One of the most popular Swedish Massages is the “walking on your back” technique. In this massage, you will lay face down on a mat or towel on the floor, with your knee bent and your foot flat next to your butt cheek. You'll want to keep your arms by your side with the palms facing up so they don't interfere with your partner's hands as they go across the fronts of each thigh.
In conclusion, I have to say that Swedish and Deep Tissue massage feel very different. Swedish massage feels more like an introductory massage that leads into the deep tissue massage, as it's lighter and faster: it's designed to increase blood flow and get you "warmed up" for the subsequent intense pressure of Deep Tissue. On the other hand, Deep Tissue massage is designed with just one thing in mind: to relieve muscle tension and knots, no matter how severe!
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