Swedish vs Deep Tissue: Which Massage Should You Pick?

Both are great. They just do different jobs. If you have ever stood at a massage menu trying to decide, here is a simple side-by-side from our therapists at Blue Sky Massage in Upland.

What Swedish massage is

Long, flowing strokes. Light to medium pressure. Oil. The therapist uses sweeping motions, kneading, and gentle circular pressure across the whole body. The goal is to relax surface muscles, slow your breathing, and calm your nervous system.

What deep tissue massage is

Slower strokes. Firmer pressure. Targeted work into the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The therapist works across the grain of stubborn knots — usually in the back, shoulders, neck, hips, and IT band. The goal is to release chronic tension.

Pick Swedish if…

You are new to massage and want a gentle introduction. You feel generally stressed but have no specific painful spot. You want to relax and possibly fall asleep on the table. You prefer lighter pressure. You are booking with a partner for a couples session.

Pick deep tissue if…

You sit at a desk all day and your shoulders feel like rocks. Regular Swedish has started to feel "too light." You have a specific painful or stiff area you want worked on. You are active — running, lifting, weekend sports. You can handle some productive discomfort during the session.

Same room, same price

At Blue Sky Massage, both are $40 for 30 minutes or $60 for 60 minutes. Same private rooms, same therapists, same clean rooms included. The only difference is the technique you ask for.

Still not sure? Walk in and ask the therapist — they will help you pick based on what you describe. Call us at 626-531-5570.