Deep tissue vs Swedish: which you want
Both are full body massages. The difference is pressure and purpose, not one being a "better" version of the other.
The short answer
Swedish massage is lighter, flowing and aimed at general relaxation. Deep tissue massage is firmer and slower, aimed at a specific area of tension. If you are not sure, Swedish is the safer starting point for a first visit; deep tissue is what you book when you already know a particular area — usually the shoulders, neck or lower back — is holding tension.
What a Swedish massage feels like
Long, gliding strokes at a moderate, even pressure across the whole body. It is designed to calm the nervous system as much as work the muscle, which is why it is often described as relaxing rather than therapeutic. Most people do not feel sore afterward.
What a deep tissue massage feels like
Slower strokes with sustained, firmer pressure, often working the same tight spot repeatedly rather than moving evenly across the body. It can feel intense in the moment, and mild soreness the next day — similar to how a muscle feels after exercise — is common and not a sign anything went wrong. Speaking up during the session if the pressure is too much is normal; a therapist should always adjust on request.
How to choose on the day
If you want to switch off for an hour, ask for Swedish. If a specific area — desk-worker shoulders, a stiff lower back — is the actual reason you are booking, ask for deep tissue and say where. Either can be adjusted mid-session, so the choice is a starting point, not a commitment.