Thai Massage vs. Swedish Massage

At Thai Orchid Massage & Spa, we are dedicated to becoming your source for

information as part of your quest for a healthier lifestyle. We strive to keep massage enthusiasts up-to-date and informed on a variety of topics related to the health benefits of massage and understanding different massage modalities. This particular topic will focus on "Thai Massage vs. Swedish Massage."

Thai and Swedish massage styles, though different in origin, have similar health benefits. Each massage modality can lower your heart rate, increase range of motion, relax your muscles, improve your mood and reduce anxiety.

Partially due to popularity in the United States, the word massage has become synonymous with Swedish massage. This massage style was developed in 1812 at the University of Stockholm.

Swedish massage incorporates five major types of techniques: effleurage (gliding movements), petrissage (kneading movements), tapotement (gentle drumming or pounding movements), vibration, and friction.

Thai massage has been taught and practiced in Thailand for more than thousand years. The principles of Thai massage are based on the body’s energy paths. It is believed that disease is the results of blocked energy pathways associated with spiritual beliefs.

While Thai massage does include similar techniques as Swedish massage, it also embraces rigorous yoga-like stretches. In Thai massage the entire body is pushed, pressed, rocked, vibrated and rhythmically compressed by the therapist’s body—hands, feet, elbows, knees, forearms and shins. At times, the therapist can stand and sit on the client while realigning them to either internal or external alignments.

Despite the techniques, there are no significant differences in psychological or physiological reactions between Thai and Swedish massages. Both styles can lower the resting heart rate, relax muscles and relieve back pain. The inclusion of stretching in Thai massages may increase the range of motion more than Swedish massage. Both styles are beneficial to health and are known to reduce anxiety as well as to improve moods.

When receiving a Thai massage, you will typically be wearing comfortable clothes and laying on a padded mat on the floor or either on an oversized or standard size massage table.

Swedish massage is typically done on a massage table, with the recipient dressed down and covered with drapes.

You can set up an appointment with one of our massage therapists by calling (725) 259-6295 or book your session online here.

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