These are the two styles most people ask about by name, and the two get confused constantly. Here’s the difference without the jargon.
Swedish massage, in plain terms
Long, flowing strokes at moderate pressure, aimed at general relaxation and improving circulation rather than targeting one specific problem area. It’s the style most people picture when they imagine “a massage,” and it’s a good fit if your goal is mainly to unwind rather than to work out a specific knot.
Deep tissue, in plain terms
Slower, more concentrated pressure aimed at deeper layers of muscle, usually focused on specific areas — a tight lower back, locked shoulders, a stiff neck. It can feel more intense in the moment, and it’s common to feel a bit tender the next day, similar to how a hard workout feels afterward.
How to decide
If you’re not chasing a specific pain point and mainly want to relax, Swedish is usually the better starting place. If you have a particular area that’s been bothering you — something that “a regular massage never quite gets to” — deep tissue is more likely to actually reach it. Plenty of guests also just ask for pressure to be adjusted mid-session; a good therapist will move between the two styles based on what your body is telling them, rather than sticking rigidly to one label.
Both, at Ember Spa
Every massage booking — 60, 90, or 120 minutes, starting at $99 — can be Swedish, deep tissue, or a blend of both. You don’t have to decide in advance; it’s shaped in the room based on how you’re actually feeling that day.
