Relaxing or therapeutic massage, what’s the difference?
Relaxing massage works the whole body at a gentler pace, to release everyday tension and help you slow down. Therapeutic massage goes straight to the spot that hurts, with more pressure and more time on that specific area. When we talk before the session, I'll tell you which one fits what you're feeling.
By Jacqueline, massage therapist, sees clients in São José dos Pinhais and Curitiba
Side by side
Relaxing
Long, steady strokes with oil, covering the whole body. The goal is to calm the nervous system as a whole. Ideal when what weighs on you is the build-up of the week rather than a specific pain.
Therapeutic
Focus on an area that hurts or feels stuck, with more pressure and more time on that spot. It often includes stretching and, depending on the case, myofascial release techniques within the session. Ideal when there's a concrete complaint, like a stiff shoulder or lower back pain.
How I decide which one to suggest
Before we start, I ask how you're doing and where you feel the most weight. If the complaint is general, like fatigue, stress or trouble relaxing, relaxing massage works well. If you point to a specific place, a shoulder, your lower back, your neck, therapeutic massage does more, because there's time to work that spot calmly.
You can also combine both in one session, starting relaxing to loosen the body and finishing with therapeutic work on the spot that bothers you most. I adjust this as we go, based on how you respond to touch.
When to choose each one
- Relaxing, for anyone who wants to switch off and leave feeling light, with no specific complaint
- Therapeutic, for anyone with localized, recurring pain or tension
- Both combined, for anyone who wants to relax and also work on a specific spot in the same session
Where to book in São José dos Pinhais and Curitiba
I offer both techniques at Essência do Cuidar, in São José dos Pinhais, every day, with at least 1 day's notice. I also see clients in Curitiba and do home visits.
Not sure which to choose? I'll help you
Send a message telling me how you're feeling, and I'll suggest the right technique for your session.
Message Jacqueline