Massage
Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage in Cleveland: Which One to Book
Two massages, two different jobs. Here is how each one feels, who it suits, and what it costs at our studio on West 10th.
23 October 2026 · 3 min read
People call and ask us the same thing almost every week. Should I book Swedish or deep tissue? It is a fair question. The names do not tell you much. If you have never had a massage, both can sound a little intimidating. So here is the plain version, from the quiet room on West 10th where we do this every day. What each one feels like, who it suits, and what it costs. If you came looking for a deep tissue massage in Cleveland, you are in the right place. Read the Swedish part too.
Clare Bridgewater, one of our massage therapists, puts it simply. Book Swedish if you want an hour where nothing is asked of you. Book deep tissue if something specific hurts and you want it worked on. That is most of the decision right there. If you are still not sure, start with Swedish. It is the one we suggest for a first massage. You can always come back for deep tissue once you know what you like and how much pressure feels right to you.
Swedish uses long, flowing strokes with light to medium pressure and oil on the skin. Your therapist works the whole body in an hour. Your only job is to lie still. It is a good choice after a hard week, before a big one, or as the first massage you have ever had. If you want more pressure, just say so. Swedish adapts to you. The lengths and prices are 60 minutes for $85, 75 minutes for $110, 90 minutes for $130, and 2 hours for $175.
Deep tissue is slow, firm and specific. It works the layer under the surface muscle: the knots between the shoulder blades, the tight band down the low back, the hip that will not let go. It is not a harder Swedish. The strokes are shorter and the pace is slower, so the muscle has time to let go instead of bracing. Many people feel worked the next day, so drink water. Sixty minutes suits one area. Ninety covers the whole back and legs. Prices are 60 minutes for $90, 75 for $115, 90 for $135, and 2 hours for $180.
You can add hot stones to either one for $20. Smooth basalt stones are heated and used as an extension of your therapist's hands, and the warmth makes the session feel deeper without being harder. Hot bamboo, also $20, rolls warmed rods along the muscle and is a firm pairing with deep tissue. Cupping is $25 and lifts the tissue instead of pressing it. Ask for any of them when you book, or when you arrive. Members take 10% off any massage with the code MEMBER10.
For both Swedish and deep tissue, you undress to your comfort level and stay covered by a sheet the whole time. We take appointments seven days a week at 1395 W. 10th St., Suite 120. Park on the street on West 10th, or after 5:30pm use the lot directly across the street from our front door. You can pick a time and book deep tissue and Swedish massage in Cleveland online, or call 216 · 621 · 7085 and we will book it for you. Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushed.
