Not all massages are created equal. Some are designed to soothe sore muscles after a long day, some dive deep to relieve chronic pain, and others are incredibly gentle—yet powerful—tools in healing after surgery or cancer treatment. Let’s break down three very different but equally important types of massage: Swedish Massage, Cupping Massage, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LMD).
Swedish Massage: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Swedish massage is probably what pops into your head when someone says “massage.” It’s the go-to option for relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. Using long, flowing strokes, kneading , and gentle tapping or vibration techniques, Swedish massage is all about calming your nervous system and getting your blood flowing.
Best for:
- First-time massage clients
- Reducing general stress and tension
- Boosting circulation
- Loosening tight muscles in a non-invasive way
Swedish massage is like your favorite cozy blanket—comforting, reliable, and great for self-care maintenance. You’ll leave feeling lighter, looser, and maybe a little floaty.
Cupping Massage: A Powerful Deep Tissue Therapeutic Tool
Cupping massage adds a bit of flair (and suction) to the table—literally. Using silicone or glass cups, this technique creates negative pressure to lift the skin and underlying tissue. While traditional deep tissue massage presses into the muscle, cupping pulls up on it, giving tight areas room to release.
Some therapists move the cups in a gliding motion (dynamic cupping), while others leave them in place (static cupping) for a few minutes. It’s often used by athletes and folks with chronic pain because of its ability to break up stubborn tension and promote faster recovery.
Best for:
- Chronic muscle tension and tightness
- Improving range of motion
- People who like deep work but with less pressure
- People with chronic muscle injuries like Frozen Shoulder, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis.
Yes, it might leave those telltale round marks, but they fade, and the relief often speaks for itself. Fun fact: cupping massage is actually considered a form of deep tissue work because of how deeply it affects the muscle and fascia layers—just from a different angle.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Gentle Touch for Big Healing
Now for something completely different: Lymphatic Drainage Massage, often called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This isn’t about deep pressure or muscle manipulation—this is a feather-light, highly specialized technique that targets your lymphatic system, the body’s waste management network.
Trained therapists use slow, rhythmic strokes and gentle pulsing movements to stimulate lymph flow, helping your body move excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. But this isn’t your average spa massage—this technique is critical care for many people healing from surgery or undergoing cancer treatment.
Best for:
- Oncology patients managing lymphedema or post-radiation swelling
- Post-surgical recovery (especially after cosmetic or orthopedic procedures)
- Reducing swelling, bruising, or scar tissue
- Supporting the immune system during healing
In oncology care, LMD is often recommended after lymph node removal, radiation, or chemotherapy when the body’s natural lymph flow has been disrupted. For post-op clients, LMD helps reduce swelling, supports tissue repair, and can improve comfort during a physically vulnerable time.
Because LMD requires special training—especially for oncology or post-surgical work—it’s important to find a certified therapist who understands how to adapt their technique safely. And you’re in luck because Bailey is certified in LMD. You’re not looking for a “deep tissue” experience here. This is about supporting your body’s healing, not pushing into sore muscles.
So Which One Do You Need?
Each of these massage styles has its own superpower:
- Swedish Massage is for relaxation and stress relief.
- Cupping Massage is for deeper muscle and fascia release with a twist (or rather, a suction).
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle but powerful therapy for people recovering from surgery or cancer-related treatments.
Still unsure? Contact The Supine Studio and we will talk through your goals, your health history, and any sensitivities you have to help guide you to the right service.
The best massage is the one that meets your body where it’s at—whether that’s on the road to recovery or just trying to make it through a stressful week.