What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes across the full body to promote relaxation, improve circulation and ease general muscle tension. The pressure is medium — firm enough to feel effective, but never uncomfortable. It's the classic relaxation massage and a great starting point if you've never had a massage before.
Swedish massage is ideal if: you're stressed or anxious, you want to properly relax and switch off, you're a first-time massage client, you want to improve your sleep, or you have no specific physical issues and just want to feel better.
What is Deep Tissue massage?
Deep Tissue massage uses slower, firmer pressure to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It's focused and therapeutic — the goal is to release chronic tension, break up knots and address specific areas of pain or tightness. It can feel intense in places, but should never be unbearable. Good communication during the session is key.
Deep Tissue is ideal if: you have chronic back, neck or shoulder pain, you carry persistent knots or tightness, you have muscle soreness from sitting at a desk, you do physical work or exercise regularly, or you've had a Swedish massage before and want something more targeted.
Can they be combined?
Yes — I often blend techniques depending on what your body needs. I might start with Swedish strokes to warm up the muscles and help you relax, then move into deeper work on specific areas. If you're not sure which to choose, just tell me your main goal when you book and I'll tailor the session accordingly.
What about Relaxation massage?
Relaxation massage is similar to Swedish but even slower and more meditative. It's purely about calming your nervous system — great for anxiety, poor sleep or just needing a complete break. If your main goal is to slow down and de-stress rather than address muscle tension, Relaxation is worth considering.
Summary
- Swedish — general relaxation, stress relief, good for first-timers. Medium pressure.
- Deep Tissue — targeting specific pain and tension. Firmer pressure, more therapeutic.
- Relaxation — deeply calming, slow, purely for stress and anxiety relief.
Still not sure? Just message me on WhatsApp and I'll help you choose. Sessions start from £80.