Swedish Massage
The expression “Swedish massage” defines a set of techniques designed specifically to relax the muscles. It involves exerting pressure on muscles so that they press against other deeper muscles and bones while rubbing in the same direction as the blood flow returning to the heart.
These movements warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking down muscle “knots” or clinging tissues, called adhesions.
The techniques used consist of five styles of movement including effleurage (sliding or forward and backward movement), petrissage (mixing), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), and friction (transverse fiber or with fibers) as well as vibrations/tremors.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. This technique is particularly useful for chronically tense areas of the body, whether it is a stiff neck, or tightness in the arm, back, or shoulder pain.
Most techniques similar to Swedish massage apply. However, the movement is slower, and the pressure goes deeper and focuses on areas of tension and pain.
Direct deep pressure or friction is applied across the grain of the muscles. In the case of muscle strain or chronic injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful and stiff tissue) in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can obstruct circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking up these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
