You may want a quiet hour with gentle pressure. Or you may prefer firmer work on an area that feels tight. Before you book a massage, it helps to know what each choice is like.
At Pure Luxe, Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes with light to medium pressure. Deep tissue uses stronger pressure and more intense muscle work. If your main goal is a soothing visit, Swedish is a good place to start. Deep tissue may fit if you prefer firm, focused work.
Swedish massage: room to slow down
Swedish is the gentler choice on our massage menu. Its flowing strokes may appeal if you’d like to settle in without strong pressure.
Perhaps this is your first massage, or you already know that lighter touch suits you. You can tell your therapist how light you’d like the pressure to be. “Gentle, please” is a perfectly useful place to begin.
Think about the feel you want from the visit. If you’ve pictured closing your eyes and enjoying a calm pace, say that when you book. It helps our team understand the experience you have in mind.
Deep tissue: firmer work, a different feel
Deep tissue is our stronger-pressure option. The muscle work is more intense, so it feels different from a gentle Swedish session. Our menu describes it as a therapeutic service rather than a relaxation massage.
You might prefer that style if you enjoy firm pressure and want focused attention on a tight area. Tell your therapist where you’d like them to focus and where you’d rather have lighter touch.
Stronger pressure does not make it the better choice for everyone. Choose based on your comfort and goals. A massage should not be something you feel you have to endure.
Your comfort belongs in the conversation
Before your session, share what you’d like from the visit. Explain any areas you want to avoid and what you liked or disliked about past massages. You can ask what the planned work will feel like, too.
During the massage, speak up if the pressure feels too strong. You can ask for less pressure, a pause, or for the work to stop. There is no need to wait until the end to say something hurts.
If a pain or injury is the reason you’re seeking massage, talk with your health care provider. Massage should not delay medical care. It also cannot promise to heal an injury or cure a health condition.
Plan for your health as well as your preferences
Tell your therapist about health conditions, medicines, recent surgery, or injuries before the session. If you’re pregnant, let us know when you book so we can discuss the right service and our booking requirements.
Massage is not risk-free. Rare serious injuries have been reported, including with vigorous deep tissue work. If you’re unsure whether massage or strong pressure is right for you, check with your health care provider first.
That conversation gives you space to make a choice with your own needs in mind. You don’t need to book the firmest service to make the visit worthwhile.
Compare the time and cost
We offer both services in 60- and 90-minute appointments. Our current listed rates are:
- Swedish massage: $110 for 60 minutes or $140 for 90 minutes.
- Deep tissue massage: $120 for 60 minutes or $150 for 90 minutes.
Choose a length that fits your plans and the service you want. Before booking, confirm the current price, available appointment times, and any extras you’d like. A longer visit is a choice, rather than a requirement.
A few questions you may still have
Can I ask for light pressure with Swedish massage?
Yes. Our Swedish service ranges from very light to medium pressure. Let your therapist know what feels comfortable, and keep them updated during the session.
Do I need deep tissue because I exercise?
Your workout routine alone doesn’t decide your massage choice. Tell us what you want from the visit. If you have an injury or ongoing pain, check with your health care provider before booking.
Can I book a massage with someone else?
Our menu offers couples massage, priced per person. Both sessions must be the same length, and you’ll need to request the Couples Room when booking. Contact Guest Services to check availability and plan the visit.
Which Pure Luxe location offers these services?
Our spa is at 10780 Hardin Valley Road in Knoxville. Downtown West offers medspa services. Call 865-474-7873 if you’d like help with your massage booking.
Get to know Pure Luxe
Pure Luxe Salon, Spa & Medspa opened in November 2009. Our Hardin Valley location brings spa, salon, and medspa services together, with a team that includes massage therapists. Downtown West is our second Knoxville location and offers medspa care.
Make time for the visit you have in mind
Whether you prefer gentle strokes or firmer work, we’d love to help you plan your next visit. Book your Pure Luxe massage, or call Guest Services to talk through your choices and available times.