Swedish or Thai massage: which to choose

Key takeaways

• Swedish uses oil and long, flowing strokes. You lie under linens, undressed to your comfort level.
• Thai uses rhythmic pressure and assisted stretches. You stay in loose clothes, with little or no oil.
• In Thailand, Thai massage is often given on a floor mat. At RHEA it is given on the massage table.
• Swedish is lighter, about 2 of 5. Thai is firmer, about 3 to 4 of 5.
• Both cost the same: AED 400 for 60 minutes, AED 550 for 90 and AED 700 for 120.

Swedish and Thai, side by side

Swedish and Thai massage are both popular, but they feel very different. One is a slow, sleepy oil massage. The other is an active session of pressure and stretches in your clothes. Here is how they compare. Pressure is shown on a 1 to 5 scale as a guide; your therapist adjusts to you on the day.

• Clothing: Swedish, undressed to your comfort level under linens. Thai, loose clothes throughout.
• Oil: Swedish, yes. Thai, little or none.
• Pressure: Swedish about 2 of 5, light to medium. Thai about 3 to 4 of 5.
• Movement: Swedish, you lie still. Thai, the therapist moves your arms, legs and back through assisted stretches.
• Pace: Swedish slow and flowing. Thai rhythmic, pressing and stretching in sequence.
• Where at RHEA: both on the professional massage table your therapist brings.
• Best if you want: Swedish to relax and sleep well. Thai to feel stretched and loosened.

Mat or table at home?

In Thailand, Thai massage is often given on a mat on the floor, with the therapist kneeling beside you and using their body weight for pressure and stretches. That is the picture most people have in mind.

For a Thai massage at home in Dubai, your RHEA therapist brings a professional massage table and adapts the Thai techniques and stretches to it. You do not need a mat, a yoga space or a large empty floor. The same clear space of about two by two metres that suits any massage at home works for Thai too.

A Swedish massage is always given on the table, with fresh linens and oils. So whichever you choose, setting up the room is the same: a clear spot, the AC a little warmer, and a calm room. The difference is in what happens once you lie down.

Clothing and oil

For Swedish, your therapist steps out or turns away while you undress and lie under the linens. How much you take off is your choice; many people keep their underwear on. Only the area being massaged is uncovered, and oil lets the hands glide in long strokes.

For Thai, you stay dressed for the whole session. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that let you move: a T-shirt and soft trousers, leggings or gym shorts. Avoid jeans, belts, zips and buttons that press into you. Little or no oil is used, so your clothes stay clean.

This is often the deciding factor. If you would rather not undress, or you want a massage without oil on your skin before going out, Thai is a natural choice. If you love the feeling of warm oil and long strokes, choose Swedish.

Stretching: the big difference

The stretches are what make Thai massage Thai. Your therapist moves your arms, legs and back through a comfortable range, gently folding, lengthening and twisting, in a sequence that usually runs from the feet up to the neck. Many people describe it as yoga where someone else does the work.

Swedish has no stretching to speak of. You lie still while the therapist works over you with long strokes, kneading and slow circles. That stillness is the point: it is easier to drift off.

Because Thai includes stretches, tell your therapist about any recent injury, operation, joint problem or back issue before you start. Every stretch is optional and can be left out. If you are new to Thai massage, say so: your therapist can keep the stretches gentle and build up slowly. If you are pregnant, book a pregnancy massage instead of either.

Pressure and pace

Swedish sits at light to medium pressure, about 2 on a 1 to 5 scale. The rhythm is even and unhurried, and most people feel their breathing slow down within a few minutes. You can still ask for medium pressure on your shoulders; it just stays flowing rather than staying on one knot for long.

Thai is firmer, about 3 to 4 of 5. The therapist uses palms, thumbs and forearms in a steady, rhythmic pattern, pressing along the legs, back and arms between stretches. It should feel firm and stretching, not painful. If a stretch or the pressure feels like too much, say so and they ease off straight away.

If you want firm pressure but do not want to be stretched, neither is quite right: a deep tissue massage gives slow, firm oil work on a few areas instead.

Who each one suits

Your choice can change from week to week. Pick the line that sounds most like the session you want today.

• First massage ever, or booking a gift for someone: Swedish.
• Busy, wired and want to sleep well tonight: Swedish, in the evening.
• Stiff after long days at a desk and like being stretched: Thai.
• You enjoy yoga or pilates and want a session that feels active: Thai.
• You prefer to keep your clothes on, or want no oil before going out: Thai.
• You love the feeling of warm oil and long strokes: Swedish.
• Pregnant: neither. Book a pregnancy massage once your doctor or midwife agrees.

Getting ready for either one

Try not to eat a heavy meal in the hour or two before, especially for Thai, since stretches on a full stomach are not comfortable. Drink some water, set the AC a little warmer and clear a space of about two by two metres.

For Thai, have your loose clothes on before the therapist arrives. For Swedish, a warm shower beforehand is a nice start. Popular add-ons include the Eye Mask (AED 45) for a Swedish evening session and the Scalp & Hair Ritual (AED 90) with Thai. See all prices, and our guide on what to do before and after a massage.