Deep Tissue Massage

VS
​
Swedish Massage

We get several questions asking about the difference between deep tissue and swedish massage. 

​They are different techniques but have the same goal, to make you feel brand new! 

DEEP TISSUE

Designed to remove severe tension
Relieves stiff muscles and connective tissue below the surface
Helps to heal injuries and improves range of motion
Post surgery rehabilitation therapy

SWEDISH MASSAGE 

Most common
Firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation 
Helps ease tension and stress
Increases flexibility 
Improves circulation 

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of Swedish Massage Therapy is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by working the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish Massage goes beyond relaxation. Swedish Massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension. Before and during your Swedish Massage session at Westborough Massage, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs. 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a specific type of massage that focuses on manipulating the deeper layers of the muscle and fascia in our body. By using slow, firm and deep strokes, the massage therapist is able to loosen tight muscles and alleviate muscle tension. Since Deep Tissue Massage can help loosen and stretch tight muscles, this type of massage can promote healing and is often recommended from those recovering from sports related injuries or as a post surgery rehabilitation therapy. The massage therapist can always alter the depth and pressure of the massage. So, talk to your massage therapist to see if deep tissue massage is suitable for you and if you have any questions. 

Hot Stone Massage

In this type of massage, smooth stones are heated and then lubricated with oil or essential oils. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. The stones may be placed:
  • along your spine
  • on your stomach
  • on your chest
  • on your face
  • on your palms 
  • on your feet and between your toes
The massage therapist will then place heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish Massage techniques. The therapeutic effects of heat are used to relax muscles more deeply. 

Ashiatsu Massage 

Ashiatsu Massage is the most luxurious and beneficial form of massage on the planet. From the root words "ashi" meaning foot and "atsu" meaning pressure, this barefoot massage technique uses smooth, fluid strokes that glide over the body. One of the many advantages of using the legs and feet is that the arms and hands are not meant to be weight bearings, but the legs, ankles and feet are. The pressure can be as light as a Swedish Massage or the deepest Massage a Therapist can give. For videos visit
Ashiatsu Massage Videos. This technique is especially effective for the lower back, spinal erectors, shoulders, glutes, hamstrings and calves, as well as the quads, this technique is shown to actually increase the intervertebral disc space resulting in fluidity and pain relief. 

Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage

Massage Therapy during pregnancy is an excellent complimentary choice for prenatal care. Pregnancy Massage focuses on addressing the special needs of expecting women. Prenatal Massage not only helps relieve the most common and normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy like backaches, stiff necks, leg cramps, headaches and edema (swelling) but also relieves depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes. Side-lying postures and cushions are used to prevent putting pressure on the abdomen and avoid any potential discomfort. 

Performance Improvement, Recovery &

​ Rehabilitation Therapy 

Headache, Migraine & TMJ

This 1 hour session will focus entirely on your head, neck and shoulders. The goal of this session is to decompress your cranium and face, including (with your permission) releases done inside the mouth. The massage therapist will also show you, if you are interested, techniques you can do for yourself at home. 

Myofascial Release 

Myofascial Release or (MFR) takes a slower and deeper approach, focusing on creating a therapeutic effect. MFR is a soft-tissue therapy for the treatment for skeletal muscle immobility and pain. The aim is to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. 

Fascial Stretch Therapy 

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is a unique, complete and complimentary system of table-based assisted stretching, focusing on the fascia and joint capsule as the key elements in achieving optimal flexibility, strength, performance and pain relief. 

Cupping

​Massage Cupping is a modern adaptation of the ancient art of cupping therapy. While massage performed by applying pressure, cupping instead uses negative pressure to pull, lift, open and expand the body's soft tissue.

Massage and Stretch Combo

Shortened muscles become fragile and weak—adding unnecessary pressure on tendons and pulling bones out of their natural alignment. This can result in muscle, joint and back pain, as well as related injuries. One of the biggest benefits of regular stretching is to lengthen the muscles, thereby reducing the stress and pressure on the tendons and joints. 

ADD ON CBD

CBD oil been found to help reduce blood pressure, alleviate stress and speed up the recovery of muscles that have experienced injury or overuse. During a CBD massage, CBD can help to naturally loosen muscles to reduce pain and inflammation to allow for faster healing.  Combine your therapeutic massage with the power of the analgesics menthol and camphor as well as CBD. Specially formulated for deeper and faster absorption of pain relieving compounds. An entirely new class of products to treat your client's pain and discomfort. 

Traditional Thai Massage 

Said to have developed over 2500 years ago, Thai Massage or Thai Yoga Massage is a sacred healing art combining deep muscle compression, reflexology, acupressure, therapeutic stretching and assisted yoga postures.
What is Treatment Like? 
  • Performed on a cushioned floor mat
  • No oils or lotions are used 
  • Deep muscle compression, reflexology, acupressure, stretching and assisted yoga. 
  • Deeply relaxing and meditative

Thai Foot Reflexology

Reflexology is the study and practice of stimulating reflexes in the feet, hands, and/or ears that affect other parts of the body. Pressure is applied with the thumb or a massage tool called the "Thai Stick". 
What is Treatment Like?
  • Performed while client is fully clothed in a reclined position
  • Feet are warmed up with soothing massage techniques 
  • A smooth wooden stick is used to stimulate 36 Reflex Points
  • Treatment is completed with a leg, arm, hand, neck and shoulder massage. 

Reiki Therapy

Reiki works on different levels the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual enhancing everything in life. Reiki is not only one of the oldest healing systems in use; it is also one of the most versatile. This ancient Japanese method of healing uses energy to balance the body and mind, and its benefits can be felt by both Reiki practitioners and their clients. In fact, Reiki is believed to improve just about any aspect of life, from physical health to emotional well-being to stress reduction and mental clarity. ​

Polarity Energy Work

Polarity Therapy is offered on a massage table while the client remains fully clothed. It includes a combination of light and firm pressure contacts, gentle rocking and stretching which promote the flow of life energy throughout the body. It has a sacred quality, putting you in touch with inner guidance and realigning the body to be in harmony with the soul. Polarity Therapy is very effective for building inner resources to manage stress.