So, you want a "deep" massage? When you make your appointment for a massage, should you ask for "deep tisue" or "firm, deep Swedish"? We'd like to help you out, so you can ask for what you want from your massage using vocabulary we understand.
     Swedish massage promotes general relaxation, improves circulation, increases range of motion, and relieves muscle tension. Swedish massage is the most requested type of massage and is the basis for most massage done at New Seattle Massage. Swedish uses long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the superficial layers of muscles. Passive or active joint movements can also be used during a Swedish massasge.
     Deep Swedish means just what it says: a full-body relaxation massage with a firm touch. It's a more rigorous Swedish massage, as opposed to the specific work of deep tissue massage.
     Deep tissue massage has a different intent from a Swedish massage. Instead of promoting relaxation through a full-body massage, the intent of deep tissue is to release specific muscles or muscle groups from chronic holding patterns resulting from injury or fatigue. It also aims to release underlying connective tissue to realign structural imbalances. When chronic tension is released, muscles return to their aligned position, and bones fall to the correct posture. Deep tissue massage works very specifically, and is not intended for a full-body massage.
     There are several techniques which are considered "deep tissue". They include: myofascial release, cross-fiber frictioning, and trigger point work. This work may ride the delicate edge of pain, and may cause some soreness afterwards which can be helped by using ice packs.
     To see which massage practitioners give deep tissue massage, check out our Massage Practitioner list. Be sure to tell the receptionist what kind of massage you are requesting when you book your appointment-this lets us help you get the kind of massage you want. Happy relaxing!