It’s easy to recall: the nagging backache or stiffness in your neck that comes and goes. Or the aching shoulder that just doesn’t go away.
Agitate: When you don’t take care of it, it will only get worse – and soon enough you’ll be in your local physician’s office, with him or her prescribing some pretty powerful painkillers. But chiropractic/deep tissue massage does wonder for relieving tension and chronic pain. Save a few bucks while getting relief right now by reading our guide on Swedish vs. Deep Tissue Massage.
Swedish Massage:
Like it sounds, Swedish massage uses long strokes that aren’t too deep and focuses on releasing muscle tensions. Swedish massage is a light, relaxing form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to reduce mental and physical tension.
It is based on a scientific system of touch as opposed to the more meditative approach taken by Chinese massage. Swedish massage incorporates five basic strokes: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction, and vibration.
Effleurage:
Effleurage (pronounced ef-luhr-azh) is a form of stroke in which the hands are used to demonstrate the brush-like movement of flowing water.
Effleurage helps to relax large muscle groups, promotes circulation, and relieves joint stress.
Friction:
Friction strokes are used in conjunction with effleurage strokes to provide a bit of variety and can be used for different results.
These can be performed using the hands or fingers.
Friction strokes are good for warming up the body before getting into full massage stroke techniques.
Petrissage:
Petrissage uses a squeezing technique and lifts the muscle to help release tension. I call it the perfect massage for a baby!
Petrissage is used with muscles that have been injured, are overused, or are in spasm.
The stroke is directed at an angle towards the heart. This helps to relieve adhesions and frequent, chronic muscle spasms in the myofascial tissue.
Vibration:
Vibration is a physiotherapy treatment for stroke patients that involve rapid, superficial movements of the fingertips or palms.
It has been shown to help patients with hemiparesis (paralysis on one side of the body) and upper extremity spasticity.
Tapotement:
Tapotement is a series of strikes to the body that helps relax a tense muscle. Many people are familiar with the “karate chop” massage technique, which is one form of tapotement.
Deep Tissue Massage:
You don’t want something that hurts, achy and rigid – even when it includes the word “deep” in its name.
Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage targets tense or damaged muscles with deeper pressure. It helps relieve chronic pain, aches, and limited mobility.
It involves the application of pressure to specific points on your body to release muscle tension and alleviate pain.
This can be an uncomfortable experience, but it’s great for injury recovery or if you just need a super-effective massage
Differences Between Swedish And Deep Tissue Massage:
Swedish and deep tissue massage has a lot in common, but there are also important differences.
However, there are some major differences between the two massage therapies that are explained below:
Technique:
A Swedish massage is designed to relax tired muscles with gentle pressure, while a deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissues, using slower strokes to work through knots and relieve pain.
Pressure:
If you’re familiar with Swedish massage, you’ll know that it typically uses light to medium pressure.
Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is designed specifically to target those hard-to-reach knots within the muscle fibers.
The pressure applied in deep tissue massage is so strong that it forces the body’s natural healing process to do its job.
As a result, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments recover faster leading to an improved range of motion, mobility, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
Intended use
Swedish massage is ideal for people looking for relaxation and release of tension whereas, a deep tissue massage is great for those suffering from more acute muscle pain and who have continuously tight muscles. You can check out Homenteriors today for more information on massage, massage types, and massage chairs.
Who Should Prefer Deep Tissue Massage?
People who are recovering from a sports injury or an accident may benefit from deep tissue massage.
A good deep tissue massage can also help people who have structural abnormalities of the spine and muscles.
Moreover, it can also heal people who suffer from chronic pain conditions like lower back pain, and fibromyalgia.
Who Should Prefer Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is not quite as intense as deep tissue massage, and it is good for people who simply want to relax.
If you have a lot of tension in your lower back, shoulders, or neck, you should definitely try out a Swedish massage.
Bottom Line:
Be it a Swedish Massage or Deep Tissue Massage – you should be aware of what exactly is massage therapy and the benefits that it has to offer.
Before employing the services, you must know what is best suited for you from a good masseur or what to expect from a massage chair.
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