Swedish Massage

Swedish massage helps the body go into a deep relaxation.

Swedish massage therapy is the most well-known and widely practiced type of massage. Swedish massages are primarily aimed at helping people simply feel good and to relax the entire body. That is the reason that Swedish massage is a great introductory massage. Swedish massage involves firm, yet gentle strokes that are slow and gliding with light to medium pressure that will increase circulation and blood flow. Other techniques used are kneading of the muscle to work deeper into the affected area, rhythmically tapping an area with cupped hands to facilitate relaxation, friction or rubbing a muscle group rapidly with the palms to stimulate warmth, and possible vibration or using the fingertips to quickly shake a muscle back and forth to loosen the area. Some of the health benefits of Swedish massage are generalized relaxation, improves circulation and immune system, lowers blood pressure, increased flexibility, reduces stress and enhances one’s overall state of health.

Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage aids in healing the body from multiple health issues.

Therapeutic massages tend to be deeper and more intense. They are perfect for relieving muscle tension or discomfort and improving range of motion. Therapeutic massage can help loosen tense areas and break up knots. Since these massages are more intense, it makes for a much different experience than a Swedish massage. Therapeutic massage reduces muscular pain and spasms, chronic pain of injuries, can reduce the effect of surgery, improves posture and relieves tension headaches and migraine pain. The other meaning of a therapeutic massage is that both the client and practitioner have a shared goal of achieving structural changes within the body. While both will leave the person getting the massage energized and refreshed, therapeutic massages are more intense. It’s not uncommon for a person getting a therapeutic massage to be sore a day or two after their massage as their muscles have been worked in ways they may not normally be worked during daily physical activity. No matter your choice, though, both massages will offer benefits. The key question to ask yourself is if you have larger problems you would like to correct or if you would like a more relaxing experience that will leave you feeling good. Whatever concern you are addressing massage can help!