Thai massage compared with remedial, Swedish and deep tissue
How Thai massage differs from remedial, Swedish and deep tissue massage, and which style suits a 60 or 90 minute appointment in Berwick.
This page compares Thai massage with 3 styles it is often confused with: remedial, Swedish and deep tissue. The main differences are clothing, oil, stretching and pressure.
Massage menus in Berwick and across Melbourne use names that overlap, and therapists vary in how they use them. Treat the descriptions below as a guide and ask the therapist what their version involves.
What is Thai massage?
Traditional Thai massage comes from Thailand and is usually done fully clothed on a floor mat or firm table, without oil. The therapist applies pressure with palms, thumbs, forearms, knees and feet, and moves you through assisted stretches, so you take a more active part than in most table massages. A Thai oil massage is a variation that uses oil and flowing strokes with fewer stretches.
People commonly choose Thai massage when they want a mix of pressure and stretching, or when they would rather stay dressed.
Remedial massage
Remedial massage is aimed at a particular problem area rather than general relaxation. A remedial therapist usually starts with questions about your history and may check how you move before choosing techniques. Sessions are done on a table, usually with oil, and the therapist uncovers only the area being worked on.
In Australia, remedial massage is one of the therapies that private health insurers can still cover. Whether you get a rebate depends on your fund, your level of cover, and whether the therapist holds the qualification and association membership your fund recognises. A therapist trained in Thai massage may or may not also be qualified in remedial massage, so ask.
If you have an injury or pain that has not been diagnosed, see a GP or physiotherapist first. They can tell you whether massage is appropriate.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage is the style many people picture when they think of a relaxation massage. It uses long gliding strokes, kneading and gentle rhythmic movements with oil on a table. Pressure is usually light to medium, and there are no assisted stretches. People often choose it for a first massage or when they want something gentle.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure to work into deeper layers of muscle. It is usually done on a table with oil or cream, and tends to focus on a few areas rather than the whole body. It can feel intense, and some people feel sore the following day. Deep tissue is a pressure level and technique rather than a complete tradition in the way Thai massage is.
Side by side
| Thai | Remedial | Swedish | Deep tissue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Dressed, loose clothes | Undressed to comfort, draped | Undressed to comfort, draped | Undressed to comfort, draped |
| Setting | Mat or firm table | Table | Table | Table |
| Oil | No (yes for Thai oil) | Usually | Yes | Usually |
| Stretching | Assisted stretches throughout | Sometimes, targeted | Rarely | Rarely |
| Pressure | Moderate to firm, adjustable | Varies with the problem area | Light to medium | Firm |
| Usual aim | Relaxation and a stretched feeling | A specific area of tightness | General relaxation | Firm work on tight areas |
How do you choose between them?
Start with what you want from the appointment and what you are comfortable with.
- If you want to stay clothed and enjoy stretching, ask for a traditional Thai massage.
- If you want a softer, oil based massage, a Thai oil massage or a Swedish massage may suit.
- If your tightness is mainly in the upper body and you have limited time, ask about a back, neck and shoulder massage.
- If a health fund rebate matters to you, ask whether the therapist is qualified and recognised for remedial massage by your fund before booking.
- If you have a diagnosed condition or recent injury, talk to your GP or physiotherapist and let the therapist know what they said.
Safety applies to every style
Whatever you choose, tell the therapist before the massage if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or an injury, have a clotting disorder or take blood thinners, have a heart condition, have a skin condition, or take regular medication. Firm pressure and stretching are not right for everyone, and a professional therapist will change the plan or suggest waiting.
Asking about a Thai massage in Berwick
This site passes Thai massage enquiries from Berwick and nearby suburbs to an independent local therapist. It does not arrange remedial, Swedish or deep tissue appointments directly, although some therapists offer more than one style. Use the enquiry form to describe what you want, and the therapist will confirm style, price, time and suitability before anything is booked. All massage arranged through this site is professional and non-sexual.