Swedish vs. Deep Tissue Massage: How to Choose
“Do you want Swedish or deep tissue?” is a question a lot of people answer by guessing. Here’s how to answer it properly.
Swedish massage
Long, flowing strokes with light to medium pressure, working the surface layers of muscle. The goal is circulation and relaxation.
Book Swedish if you want to switch off, if you’re new to massage, if you’re generally tense rather than specifically injured, or if you’re recovering from a stressful stretch and want to leave feeling lighter.
Swedish massage is $58 at InfinityStyles.
Deep tissue massage
Slower strokes and firmer, more sustained pressure aimed at deeper muscle and connective tissue. The goal is to release specific areas of chronic tension.
Book deep tissue if you have a persistent knot that keeps returning, sit at a desk and carry it in your neck and shoulders, train hard, or have a particular area that has bothered you for weeks or months.
“Deep tissue” does not mean “as hard as possible”
This is the most common misunderstanding, and it matters.
Effective deep tissue work should feel intense but manageable — the kind of pressure where you can still breathe normally. If you’re clenching, holding your breath, or gripping the table, the pressure is too high. Your muscles are contracting to protect themselves, which is the opposite of what the massage is for.
Speak up during the session. A good therapist would far rather adjust than have you endure it politely. Some tenderness for a day afterwards is normal; sharp pain is not.
Which do you need?
- “I just need to relax” → Swedish
- “I have a knot that won’t shift” → deep tissue
- “I’m pregnant” → tell us when booking; we’ll advise on what’s appropriate
- “I have an injury or a medical condition” → check with your doctor first, and tell your therapist
- “It’s my first massage ever” → start with Swedish
Getting the most out of it
Arrive a few minutes early so you aren’t starting the session rushed. Drink water afterwards. Don’t book a heavy workout for immediately after a deep tissue session. And tell your therapist what you actually want at the start — the five minutes of conversation before the massage is what makes the hour work.
Book a massage in Summit, IL
InfinityStyles Salon & Day Spa is at 7432 W. Archer Avenue, Summit, IL, serving Bedford Park, Bridgeview and the southwest suburbs.
Call (708) 594-2050 or book online.
