French Massage: Techniques, Benefits & Deep Tissue Comparison

Swedish Massage vs. French Massage

A French massage incorporates specific techniques designed to help reduce knots, tension, and stress. It combines many movements and techniques from many different massage styles. The primary goal is to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation and is often used as a more therapeutic, deep-tissue massage.

If Swedish massage is a 1-2 intensity, French massage is a 7-10, more similar to a deep tissue or Balinese massage. The strokes are typically much deeper and performed slowly so as to encourage total muscle relaxation. There is no one true definition of a French massage, but it involves a variety of massage movements and techniques drawn from other cultures, including Swedish, Balinese, Hawaiian, Ayurvedic, and Russian massage.

French massages are best for those looking for a deep-tissue massage to relieve pain, knots, and tension and is not recommended for those who prefer light-pressure massages.