Therapeutic Massage vs Swedish Massage: What Are the Differences?

September 6 2022 - At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, massage therapy played a significant role in the athletes' care.

Western medicine viewed massage as hands-on manipulation, with little to offer as an actual treatment. As our understanding of the human body grows, massage has gained much more credibility. Today, it's considered a safe, effective way to treat various health conditions.

You might have heard about the two types of massage that are most popular today. If you haven't, you'll want to read on. We're going to explore the differences between therapeutic massage vs Swedish massage.

The Purpose of the Massage

There are many types of massages, each with a different purpose. Therapeutic massage can treat a specific problem, such as pain or muscle tension. Swedish massage is a more general form of massage and is great for relaxing the body and increasing circulation.

The Amount of Pressure Applied

One of the most notable differences between a therapeutic massage and a Swedish massage is the pressure applied. Therapeutic massage is usually done to provide relief from pain or discomfort, while Swedish massage is more for relaxation purposes. As such, therapeutic massage will often involve the use of more pressure than Swedish massage.

The Technique Used

Swedish massage is typically lighter in pressure than a therapeutic massage. It is a type of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to relieve tension and relax the body. It is often used as a form of relaxation.

Therapeutic massage is a type of massage that is designed to relieve pain, stimulate or relax the body, and promote healing. It is often used to treat conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

Therapeutic massage is usually done by a licensed massage therapist, while Swedish massage can be done by either a licensed or certified massage therapist.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a massage depends on the type, length, and location. Swedish massages typically cost less than therapeutic massages.

The average cost of a Swedish massage is $60 for a 60-minute session. The average cost of a therapeutic massage is $80 for a 60-minute session. If you are interested, you can view this massage service.

Who Is It Best For

People who are healing from muscle injuries caused by sports or accidents receive deep tissue massages. Those with structural abnormalities of the spine and muscles will also benefit from a therapeutic massage.

On the other hand, people with circulation problems may benefit from a Swedish massage. In a 2013 study, it was discovered that weekly Swedish massage treatments over four weeks lowered blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive women.

Therapeutic Massage vs Swedish: Have You Chosen Which to Go For?

A massage may just be what you need. While therapeutic massage vs Swedish can provide health benefits, they are different types of massage. Therapeutic massage is a more targeted approach that can relieve pain, help heal injuries, and improve the range of motion.

Swedish massage is a more relaxation-focused massage that can help promote overall wellness. If you're not sure which type of massage is right for you, speak with a qualified massage therapist to get the most benefit from your session.

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