What's the difference between a deep tissue and swedish massage? (Diary of a NYC massage therapist)

The main difference between a swedish massage and deep tissue massage is the pressure.

When done correctly your massage therapist will apply pressure so that they begin to affect deeper layers of tissue as opposed to only superficial.

When done incorrectly it feels like a jackhammer is being applied to your back.

Maybe you're extremely sore the next day and you might of even tensed during the massage to the point where you wanted to ask them to stop.

If you wondered what type of massage you should get then it depends on who you're dealing with. For example -- my NYC massage therapy practice is named Healed by Paris.

I don't charge a difference in pricing for deep tissue massage vs swedish because all of my sessions are a blend of both. Whether you want firm pressure or light pressure the cost remains the same.

My goal is to help you feel better, reconnected, and your entire body doesn't need a deep tissue massage to make that happen.

Sometimes only certain areas will need a deeper more focused pressure.

I've spoken with a lot of massage therapists and or viewed their thoughts via different groups, forums, and videos.

And one thing I wish more people knew before they got a massage is that the emphasis on pressure is sometimes ONLY because they can charge you more.

Usually a swedish massage in NYC can run you anywhere from $90 to $250 depending on where you go. And when deep tissue is offered its at a higher cost.

A swedish massage uses longer strokes, also known as effleurage strokes to sedate your nervous system. To get your body to relax. Depending on your therapist the moves may be at a faster pace.

The more you relax the more you can rest and recover. More recovery = less pain = boosted mood.

A deep tissue massage can use slower movements that ease through the layers. And because theres such focused attention on sections not usually touched the next day you may feel achey.

A common misconception is that its normal for a massage to hurt you for over 3 days and honestly, when that happens to you... RUN. Not every therapist who has a license knows what they're doing.

Massage therapy teachers can't fail a student if they pass the class requirements. And to pass the class it doenst always mean they're good.