Cluster · Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage: Which Should You Choose?
This is the question Côte Saint-Luc patients ask us most often at the front desk. The answer depends on your goal: relax or treat. Here is a clear guide, built from our clinical experience at Réhabital, to choose the right technique for you.
The difference in one sentence
Swedish massage is designed to relax; deep tissue massage is designed to treat. Both use the same basic strokes (effleurage, kneading, friction), but deep tissue goes slower, more precisely and deeper into muscle layers.
Pressure
Swedish massage uses light to medium pressure, fluid and continuous. Deep tissue uses sustained pressure, sometimes intense, applied slowly with thumbs, elbows and forearms to reach deep fibers. Deep tissue pressure may feel uncomfortable at first, but always stays in a "good pain" zone you can tolerate.
Rhythm and stroke duration
Swedish is rhythmic, fluid, almost musical. Deep tissue is slow, methodical, sometimes static: the therapist may hold pressure on a trigger point for 30 to 90 seconds to release it. This slowness is what allows deep muscles to release.
Indications: when to choose Swedish
Choose Swedish massage if you are seeking: pure relaxation, everyday stress management, improved sleep without specific pain, relief after an intense week, your first massage ever, or simply an hour of calm. It is an excellent monthly maintenance choice.
Indications: when to choose deep tissue
Choose deep tissue if you have: chronic back, neck or shoulder pain, sports injury recovery, muscle-origin sciatica, computer-work tension, chronic stiffness, tension headaches, or if Swedish massages no longer relieve you enough.
Can you combine both?
Absolutely. Many of our Westmount and Mont-Royal patients alternate: deep tissue every 2 weeks to treat, Swedish monthly to maintain. We also recommend this after a 4–6 session deep tissue program to maintain the gains.
Price and duration at Réhabital
Both techniques are the same price at Réhabital: 60 min at $110, 90 min at $170, 120 min at $210. For targeted deep work, we recommend at least 60 min; for complete work (back + legs or whole body), 90 min is ideal. Insurance receipts issued on the spot.
Ready for your first session?
Our certified massage therapists in Côte Saint-Luc welcome you 6 days a week (closed Saturday). Insurance receipts issued on the spot.