Swedish massage and deep tissue massage differ in pressure, pace and purpose. Swedish massage, called Relaxation Massage on our menu, uses light-to-medium flowing strokes over the whole body to lower stress and improve circulation. Deep tissue uses slower, firmer pressure on specific muscles to release chronic knots and posture-related tension, and can leave you mildly sore for a day. At Victoria Edward Spa in Longwood, FL, Swedish is $120 for 60 minutes and deep tissue is $150; if you are unsure, start with Swedish and ask your therapist to go firmer where you need it.
The Difference at a Glance
| Swedish (Relaxation) | Deep tissue | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Stress relief and rest | Easing stubborn tension in specific areas |
| Pressure | Light to medium | Firm, slow and sustained |
| Technique | Long gliding strokes, kneading, gentle circles | Slow strokes and focused pressure on knots and deeper muscle layers |
| Coverage | Full body, evenly | Full body, with extra time on problem areas |
| How you feel after | Calm, loose, often sleepy | Looser in targeted areas; mild soreness for 24–48 hours is common |
| Best for | Busy weeks, trouble unwinding, first-time guests | Desk posture, tight shoulders and neck, lower back, active lifestyles |
| Price at VES | $120 (60 min), $150 (90 min) | $150 (60 min), $180 (90 min) |
Is Swedish Massage the Same as Relaxation Massage?
Yes. Swedish massage is the technical name for the long, gliding, kneading strokes most people picture when they think of a spa massage; many spas, including ours, list it as Relaxation Massage. Every Relaxation Massage at Victoria Edward Spa is a Swedish massage, and you can add hot stones, aromatherapy or a peppermint scalp treatment to it.
What Happens in a Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is built around rhythm. Your therapist uses long, flowing strokes along the back, legs and arms, with gentle kneading on the shoulders and calves. The pace stays steady so your nervous system can slow down. Most people drift off at some point, and that’s the point.
It’s the best starting place if you’ve never had a professional massage, if you’re sensitive to pressure, or if your main complaint is feeling wound up rather than a specific ache.
What Happens in a Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue is slower, not just harder. Your therapist warms the muscles with lighter strokes first, then works gradually deeper, often with forearms or elbows, holding pressure on tight bands and knots until they soften. Expect more time on two or three areas (often the upper back, neck and lower back) than on the rest of the body.
“Deep” should never mean painful. A good deep tissue massage can feel intense in the moment, the “good hurt,” but you should always be able to breathe normally and relax into it. If you’re tensing up or holding your breath, the pressure is too much. Say so.
Will I Be Sore After a Deep Tissue Massage?
Some people are. Mild soreness, similar to the day after a workout, is common for 24–48 hours, especially if it’s your first deep tissue session or you haven’t had a massage in a while. Drinking water, a warm shower and light movement help. Sharp pain, bruising or soreness lasting more than a couple of days isn’t expected. Mention it to your therapist at your next visit so they can adjust.
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick Swedish if your goal is to feel calmer and sleep better, if it is your first massage, or if you bruise easily. Pick deep tissue if you can point to the spot that hurts, if you sit or train hard, or if a relaxation massage has left you wanting more. You do not have to commit: our therapists blend both in one session, so tell us at check-in what you want the hour to do.
Five quick questions if you’re still torn:
- Is your main goal to relax or to fix a specific spot? Relax → Swedish. Specific spot → deep tissue.
- Have you had a professional massage before? If not, start with Swedish.
- Do you have a big event in the next day or two? Choose Swedish. Save deep tissue for when a little soreness won’t matter.
- Do you sit at a desk most of the day, or train regularly? Deep tissue on the shoulders, neck and hips often helps most.
- Are you pregnant, bruising easily, or managing a health condition? Choose a gentler massage, check with your healthcare provider first, and tell your therapist before you start. During pregnancy, book a prenatal massage.
Can You Combine Them?
Yes, and many people do. Book a Swedish massage and ask your therapist to spend extra time, with firmer pressure, on your shoulders or lower back. Or book deep tissue and ask for lighter pressure everywhere except your problem areas. Pressure is always adjustable during the session.
How Often Should You Book Each?
For stress relief, once a month is a common rhythm for Swedish massage. For ongoing tightness, deep tissue every two to three weeks for the first few sessions, then monthly, tends to work better than an occasional long session. Our guide How Often Should You Get a Massage? goes further.
Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage at Victoria Edward Spa
If you’re in Central Florida, our licensed massage therapists in Longwood offer both. Swedish (Relaxation) massage is $120 for 60 minutes or $150 for 90. Deep tissue is $150 for 60 minutes or $180 for 90. First-time guests can book a 60-minute Introductory Relaxation Massage with hot stones for $99, and Beauty Bank members save on every visit: Rejuvenate at $99 per month includes a monthly massage, facial or body scrub. See every option on our massage page.
Book a Massage · (321) 765-7779 · 242 W State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750
FAQs
Is deep tissue massage better than Swedish massage?
Neither is better. They do different jobs. Swedish is better for stress relief; deep tissue is better for stubborn, localized tension.
Is Swedish massage the same as relaxation massage?
Yes. Most spas use “relaxation massage” for Swedish-style techniques: long gliding strokes, kneading and light-to-medium pressure.
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
It can feel intense on tight spots, but it shouldn’t be painful. You should be able to breathe normally. Ask your therapist to ease off at any time.
Which massage is best for back pain?
For tightness from posture or overuse, deep tissue focused on the back and hips often helps most. For back pain from an injury or a medical condition, see your healthcare provider before booking.
Which massage should I get for my first time?
A Swedish massage. It lets you get comfortable with the experience, and you can always ask for firmer pressure where you need it.
Massage services are provided by Florida-licensed massage therapists at a licensed massage establishment, MM 39254.