Thai, remedial or deep tissue massage: which one is right for you?
By the Essence Thai team4 min read
The short answer
Choose relaxation or Thai oil massage if you want to unwind, traditional Thai massage if you feel stiff and want to stretch, deep tissue if you love strong pressure, and remedial massage if one area is bothering you. If you are not sure, tell your therapist how you feel and they can guide you.
Start with how you feel today
Massage menus can look confusing, but the decision is simpler than it seems. Instead of starting with the treatment name, start with what you want to walk out feeling.
I want to switch off
Gentle, flowing strokes to calm a busy mind. Try a Relaxation or Thai Oil Signature Massage.
Relaxation MassageI feel stiff and tight
Rhythmic pressure and assisted stretching to loosen you up. Try a Traditional Thai Massage.
Traditional ThaiSomething specific hurts
Focused work on one problem area. Try Remedial or Deep Tissue & Muscle Relief.
Remedial MassageMassage styles side by side
Here is a quick comparison of the treatments we offer at our West End studio. Pressure can always be adjusted, so treat this as a starting point.
| Massage | Pressure | Oil | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxation | Gentle to medium | Yes | Stress relief and switching off |
| Thai Oil Signature | Gentle to moderate | Yes | Deep relaxation with Thai techniques |
| Traditional Thai | Moderate to firm | No | Stiffness, flexibility and energy |
| Deep Tissue | Firm | Yes | People who like a strong massage |
| Remedial | Tailored | Yes | Specific areas of tension or tightness |
| Neck & Shoulder | Tailored | Yes | Desk tension when time is short |
| Foot Reflexology | Gentle to moderate | Yes | Tired feet and a gentle reset |
Deep tissue or remedial: what is the difference?
These two are often confused. Both can feel firm, but they have a different focus.
- Deep tissue massage is about pressure. Slower strokes work into the deeper layers of muscle across larger areas like the back, shoulders and legs.
- Remedial massage is about focus. Your therapist concentrates on the specific area that is bothering you, using targeted techniques and pressure tailored to you.
Read more about Deep Tissue & Muscle Relief and Remedial Massage.
First massage? Our suggestion
If it is your first massage, or your first in a long time, a 60 minute Thai Oil Signature Massage or Relaxation Massage is a lovely, easy place to start. You can always try something firmer next time.
Tell your therapist
- Where you feel tight, sore or stiff
- How firm you like the pressure
- Any injuries, medical conditions or if you are pregnant
- Areas you would prefer them to avoid
Short on time, or treating someone else?
Not every massage needs an hour. A 30 minute Neck & Shoulder Relief or Neck, Head & Scalp Massage fits neatly into a lunch break in West End or South Brisbane.
Planning something special? A Couples Massage lets two people relax side by side, and our Spa Packages combine body, foot and facial treatments into one longer visit. Or let them choose with a gift card.
The best massage is the one that matches how you feel today, and it is fine for that to change from visit to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Which massage is best for back pain?
For ongoing tightness in one area, remedial massage is a good choice because the session focuses on that area. If you simply like strong pressure across the back, try deep tissue. If you have pain from an injury or a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Is deep tissue massage the same as remedial massage?
No. Deep tissue is defined by firm pressure into deeper muscle layers, while remedial massage focuses on a specific problem area with techniques and pressure tailored to you.
Which massage should I choose for my first time?
A 60 minute Thai Oil Signature or Relaxation Massage is an easy place to start. Your therapist will check in on pressure throughout.
Can I change the pressure during my massage?
Yes, any time. Just say softer or firmer and your therapist will adjust.
Ready to try it?
Book online in under a minute.
