Many people are unsure whether to ask for deep tissue massage or swedish massage .  Deep tissue massage is in many ways similar to swedish massage but the pressure and the context of the massage is more focused on releasing muscle tension, so ,simply said ,it is upping it a notch in terms of pressure.  This can help someone understand whether they prefer a more firm touch and identify which would be better suited for their body.  When tension is at a high threshold sometimes it is better to start of slowly and then increase your pressure to deeper.  Working with your therapist is the best way to determine this, as you can always change the course of your massage as your session is in progress.  A skilled therapist will know how to approach the massage according to previous injuries, muscle integrity, age, and the stress level of each recipient.