It's the question we hear most at our Finchley studio: "What's actually the difference, and which one do I need?" Here's the two-minute answer.

Swedish massage: the adaptable classic

Swedish massage is the classic full-body treatment — long, flowing strokes from head to toe. The key thing people miss is that pressure is a dial, not a type. At Sculpt Spa you choose light or firm when you book our Swedish massage, and your therapist adjusts throughout. It supports circulation, eases general muscle tension and is the right default when you're not sure what to pick.

Deep pressure: targeted and deliberate

Deep pressure massage works into the deeper layers of muscle with slower, firmer, more deliberate technique — forearms and elbows as well as hands. It's the one for stubborn knots, heavy training weeks and the tension a lighter massage never quite reaches. Expect to feel pleasantly worked the next day.

The 10-second decision

  • Want to relax and unwind? Swedish, light pressure — or our Full Body Relax.
  • General tension, want it worked properly? Swedish, firm pressure.
  • Train hard, physical job, or always ask for "more pressure"? Deep pressure.

Still torn? Book Swedish — your therapist assesses on the day and adapts. And if it's your first visit, there's £10 off.