Deep tissue massage “releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body.”

One of the most common questions we get at Watercourse Way is: “What is the difference between ‘deep tissue’ massage and ‘swedish’ massage?” While both styles are relaxing and therapeutic, there is a clear difference between the two.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) says deep tissue massage “releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.”

Meanwhile, Swedish massage is defined as “a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.”