What Is the Difference Between a Swedish Massage and Regular Massage?

• Differences
• Swedish Massage
  • What are the pros and cons of a Swedish massage?
• Regular Massage
  • What are the pros and cons of a regular massage?

Both Swedish massage and regular massage can help loosen up tight muscles and offer stress relief. But there are key differences between the two massage techniques.

Learn about the pros and cons of each massage technique.

Table: Swedish massage vs. regular massage

Features	Swedish massage	Regular massage
Technique	Uses a series of soft, long, kneading strokes to relieve surface tension	Any massage that manipulates your skin, tendons, and muscles by pressing or rubbing
Target area	Topmost layer of muscles	Layers of muscles, tendons, and other tissues deep under the skin
Pressure	Therapists may apply light-to-firm pressure to provide a relaxed and energized feeling	Therapists may use light strokes to deep pressure
Intended use	Relieves muscle tension May be beneficial after an injury Can make you feel rejuvenated	Relieves pain by targeting stiff trouble spots Relieves chronic patterns of tension and helps with muscle injuries such as a back sprain Improves immune function Lowers heart rate and blood pressure

Swedish massage is the most common type of massage that uses long, flowing strokes with kneading, tapping, and vibrating movements to relieve surface muscle tension. Swedish massage uses five types of strokes:

1. Effleurage: The therapist gives smooth, gliding strokes using their hands and forearms, which leads to relaxation of the soft tissue.
2. Petrissage: Kneading movements following the effleurage promote the movement of cellular fluids and blood circulation.
3. Friction: The therapist performs deep pressure massage in small circular movements using their thumb or a pointed object.
4. Vibration: The therapist presses the body tissues in an up and down motion using their palms or fingertips of either or both hands.
5. Tapotement: The therapist performs rhythmic, tapping, drumming or cupping of the tissue at the end of the massage to wake up the client and energize them.

Benefits

Health benefits of Swedish massage may include:

• Relieving muscle cramps and muscle fatigue
• Strengthening muscles
• Soothing the nervous system
• Stimulating blood circulation
• Relieving symptoms of various diseases
• Firming skin and muscle tone
• Relieving back pain due to poor posture and prolonged sitting
• Relaxation from stress

When to avoid

Avoid Swedish massage if you have the following:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Fever
• Broken, fractured, or dislocated bones
• Jaundice
• Frostbite
• Contagious diseases
• Recent surgery
• High blood pressure 
• Heart diseases
• Kidney disease
• Large hernia
• Varicose veins
• Open or unhealed wounds
• Inflamed, swollen or bruised body parts
• Drug treatment with blood thinners
• Pregnancy

A regular massage is any massage that involves rubbing, pressing, and manipulating your skin, tendons, and muscles.

Benefits

Health benefits of a massage may include:

• Reducing stress and making you feel rejuvenated
• Alleviating pain and muscle soreness
• Improving circulation and mental alertness
• Treating various conditions such as:
  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Low back pain
  • Nerve pain
  • Insomnia related to stress
  • Sports injuries
  • Upper back and neck pain

When to avoid

Avoid a massage therapy if you have the following:

• Severe osteoporosis
• Severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Bleeding disorders
• Burns or healing wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infections
• Fractures
• Pregnancy