Massage therapy comparison
Swedish, deep tissue or sport: which massage should you book?
Three massages, three different goals. This clinical guide helps you pick the modality that fits your need — relaxation, deep muscle tension, or athletic recovery — at Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc.
Quick answer
Short answer: choose Swedish for relaxation, stress and circulation. Choose deep tissue for stubborn knots, chronic back or neck tension. Choose sport massage if you're preparing for, recovering from, or maintaining an athletic event. All are provided by our FQM-certified massage therapists, with private-insurance receipts.
Swedish Massage
Relaxation & circulation
Best for
- Stress, insomnia
- General fatigue
- First massage
- Improved circulation
Session: 60-90 min
Price: $110 (60 min) / $170 (90 min)
FQM receipt for insurance
Deep Tissue
Knots & chronic tension
Best for
- Chronic neck/back tension
- Muscle knots (trigger points)
- Long desk postures
- Restricted fascia
Session: 60-90 min
Price: $110 (60 min) / $170 (90 min)
FQM receipt for insurance
Sport Massage
Performance & recovery
Best for
- Before or after competition
- Runners, cyclists, hockey
- Injury prevention
- Muscle recovery
Session: 60 min
Price: $125 (60 min)
FQM receipt for insurance
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | Swedish Massage | Deep Tissue | Sport Massage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Light to medium | Firm to intense | Medium to firm, targeted |
| Techniques | Effleurage, kneading, long strokes | Sustained pressure, trigger points, myofascial stretches | Dynamic stretches, compressions, drainage |
| How it feels | Very relaxing, you may fall asleep | Controlled discomfort on tight areas | Active, targeted, energizing |
| After the session | Deep relaxation, better sleep | Possible soreness for 24-48 h | More flexible muscles, better recovery |
| Recommended frequency | Once a month for maintenance | Every 2 to 4 weeks for chronic tension | Based on training calendar |
| Insurance | FQM receipt for private insurance | FQM receipt for private insurance | FQM receipt for private insurance |
The clinical perspective
Swedish massage is the universal classic: long strokes, gentle kneading, light-to-medium pressure. It boosts blood and lymphatic circulation, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest mode) and lowers cortisol. For a first massage, for winding down after a busy week, or as a monthly maintenance ritual, it's the default choice. Our FQM-certified therapists in Côte Saint-Luc adapt it to your tension level.
Deep tissue massage tackles the chronic tension Swedish alone can't untangle. The therapist uses forearms, elbows and thumbs to work deep into knots (trigger points), fascial adhesions and stiff areas. You'll feel discomfort, but it's the "hurts so good" kind. Ideal for people who sit for hours, live with chronic neck tension, or whose back is constantly knotted.
Sport massage blends fast Swedish techniques, dynamic stretches and targeted compressions. Before an event, it primes the muscles; after, it speeds up lactic-acid clearance and reduces DOMS. Runners, cyclists, hockey players or golfers: build a session into your training plan. We regularly work with amateur and semi-pro athletes from Côte Saint-Luc and NDG.
How to choose
Choose Swedish Massage
- It's your first massage
- You're very stressed, sleeping poorly
- You just want to unwind
- You prefer light pressure
Choose Deep Tissue
- You have stubborn knots that keep coming back
- You sit 8+ hours a day
- Chronic neck pain
- You accept controlled discomfort
Choose Sport Massage
- You train regularly
- You're prepping for a race, a game
- You want to recover faster
- You want to prevent injury
Still not sure? We'll help you decide.
Book an evaluation at our Côte Saint-Luc clinic. Our clinical team will recommend the best approach for your situation.
Why Réhabital stands out
- 5.0 / 5 from 101 Google reviews — the highest-rated multidisciplinary clinic in Côte Saint-Luc
- Founded and led by Shahram Ghasemi, MD (Iran), DOMP — 30+ years of clinical experience
- 7 disciplines under one roof, with a coordinated care plan
- Prices published online, no mandatory packages
- Private-insurance receipt issued after every session
- 12 languages spoken by the team
- Open evenings until 8 p.m. and on Sundays
- Free parking at Cavendish Mall