Swedish vs Deep Tissue: Which Massage Should You Book?
These are the two styles clients ask about most — and the names tell you less than you'd think. Here's the practical difference.
The one-line difference
Swedish is the gentle, relaxing classic — long flowing strokes for calm and circulation. Deep tissue uses firmer, slower pressure to work the deeper muscle layers where chronic tension hides.
Pressure & sensation
- Swedish: light to moderate, soothing, easy to drift off to.
- Deep tissue: firm and focused; you may feel productive pressure on a knot, but it should never be sharply painful.
Pick Swedish if…
You're new to massage, you want to de-stress and sleep better, or you just need a resetting hour. It's our most-requested starting point — read more on the Swedish massage page.
Pick deep tissue if…
You carry chronic knots, postural strain from desk work, or tightness that a lighter touch doesn't reach. Details and pricing are on the deep tissue page.
Still unsure? You don't have to choose
Plenty of sessions blend both: relaxing Swedish strokes where you're sensitive, deeper work where you need it. Just tell us at the start — or leave a note in your contact us.
