Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best-known type of massage. If it's you're first time at the spa, Swedish massage is the perfect place to start.

During Swedish massage, massage therapists use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish massage moves include kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping. 

Swedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefits.

Generally during Swedish massage you're nude underneath a towel or sheet. The therapist uncovers only the part of the body he/she is working on, a technique called "draping". 

You can keep your underwear on during Swedish massage, and many newcomers do.

Feel free to state your preference for pressure during Swedish massage. It can range from light to firm. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension. If you want more intensive work and firmer pressure, get a deep tissue massage.

Swedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure." 

Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage. 

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish Massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.")

Will A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.

How Fast Will I Get Results With A Deep Tissue Massage?

It's important to be realistic about what one deep tissue massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won't happen. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.

Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can also produce profound release and realignment in the body.