Is Somatic Massage Better Than Deep Tissue Massage?

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before…

You finally make some time to go get a massage. You’re already picturing yourself on the table…

warm oil, soft music, someone touching you with their magic hands.

But when you go to book, the options hit you like a wall of spa-speak: Deep Tissue? Somatic? Cranio-what-?

You’re not here for a philosophy degree. You just want to walk out feeling like yourself again, but now you’re stuck googling “Is somatic massage better than deep tissue?” It should be easier than this…

Here’s the thing: choosing between massages shouldn’t feel like decoding ancient scrolls. But itdoeshelp to know what you're walking into because while somatic and deep tissue are similar in that they both involve you lying on a table, they’re actually built on totally different goals. One workson your muscles. The other workswith body, mind + soul.

In this blog post, you’ll get a clear, straight-talking breakdown of what each massage does, how they feel, and which one fits best with what your body actually needs so you know what to book for you!

What EvenIs Somatic Massage?

Somatic massage sounds like one of those terms someone made up in some hippy retreat, but it’s actually rooted in solid body science.

At its core, somatic massage is about reconnecting your body + mind. It focuses less on kneading out knots and more on helping you become aware of how and where your body holds tension, especially the kind you don’t even realize is there.

This kind of session works on a deeper level. The idea is that chronic tension isn’t just in your muscles; it’s stored in your nervous system.

Think of it like this:
→ Deep tissue is a mechanic fixing your car.
→ Somatic massage is a driving instructor showing you how to stop riding the brakes.

A good somatic practitioner will guide you to notice small movements, breath patterns, and subtle sensations. Many people come out of a somatic session feeling grounded, relaxed, and just…more at home in their own body.

Somatic vs Deep Tissue: Key Differences

At this point, you might be thinking, “Okay… so it sounds great, but they seem like totally different vibes.”

And you’d be right.

Here’s how they stack up, side by side:

Somatic Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Gentle, slow, and exploratory
Firmer, targeted, and more intense
Focuses on nervous system and body awareness
Focuses on muscles, fascial release
Works with your breath and subtle movements
Works on knots, tension, and tight muscle groups
Helps unravel chronic stress or trauma patterns
Helps release physical tension and pain
You’re an active participant
You’re mostly passive
Great if you feel emotionally or energetically stuck
Great if you feel physically stuck or sore

The key difference?

Somatic massage helps younoticewhere your tension is emotionally in the body.
Deep tissue helps youget rid ofyour tension at the muscular level.

So… Which One’s Better?

Let’s be honest: this is the question you came here for the answer to.

And the truth is...neither is “better” across the board. It all comes down towhat YOUR body needs right now.
So instead of giving you a vague “it depends,” here’s a quick cheat sheet to make it easy peasy for ya..

Choose Somatic Massage if…

• You’re feeling anxious, burned out, or emotionally tense

• You’ve tried deep tissue but it didn’t “get to the emotions” of what your body is feeling

• You want to feel more connected to your body

• You’ve experienced trauma and want a gentle, body-aware approach

• You leave other massages feeling relaxed but unchanged

Choose Deep Tissue if…

You’re dealing with chronic pain, tight muscles, or physical tension
You sit at a desk, lift weights, or carry stress in your shoulders

• You want someone towork outthe knots, not justnoticethem

• You like strong pressure and don’t mind a bit of soreness

• You’ve had success with sports massage or physio in the past

Try Both.

Massage doesn’t have to be a “pick me” game. Try both and see which YOU benefit from.

Final Word: You Deserve a Massage That Feels LikeYou

At the end of the day, this isn’t about picking the “right” massage.
It’s about picking the one that fitsyou…. your body, your mood, your situation.

Some days, you want firm pressure, deep release, and that satisfying post-massage ache.

Other days, you need gentleness, slowness, and the feeling of finally exhaling after holding your breath for weeks.

Neither option is right or wrong. Neither is superior. They just speak to different parts of you.

So whether you’re booking your first ever massage or just feel stuck in your usual routine, try something new. Ask questions. Follow your intuition.

Because the best kind of massage?
Is the one that helps you feel more like yourself when you get up off the table.

Helena xo