In Couples Massage, Can You Both Get a Swedish Massage and Your Partner Get Deep Tissue Massage?

Ever wondered if you and your partner could enjoy different massage styles in the same room?

I did too. When I booked my first couples massage, I had a ton of questions. I like things light and relaxing. But my partner? He likes it deep—real deep. He always picks the deep tissue massage, while I go for a Swedish massage every single time.

But the real question was: Can we both get what we want during a couples massage?

Good news—yes, you absolutely can.

Let me tell you everything I learned and what it felt like.

What Is a Couples Massage?

A couples massage is pretty much what it sounds like. Two people get massages at the same time, in the same room. That’s it.

You lie side by side, and each of you has your own massage therapist. The lights are soft, the music plays gently, and the vibe is calm.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to get the same massage style. That’s the beauty of it.

When I found this out, I was honestly relieved. I didn’t want to feel sore after a massage, and my boyfriend didn’t want to feel like he just got tickled.

So yes, you can totally ask for a Swedish massage while your partner goes for a deep tissue massage during your couples massage.

Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage—What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear this up a bit, in case you’re unsure which one is right for you.

Swedish massage is the classic. It’s smooth, gentle, and relaxing. Long strokes are used, and pressure is light to moderate. You feel like you’re floating by the end.

Deep tissue massage is the opposite. It’s more intense. It goes into the muscles, breaking up knots and tension. Some people find it a little painful, but that “good pain” kind.

So if you’re stressed and want to relax, go for the Swedish massage. If you’ve got muscle pain or tension, deep tissue massage is likely better.

Will It Be Awkward If We Get Different Massages?

I asked this, too. But no, not at all.

Your massage therapists will work with your needs. While you’re floating away with your Swedish massage, your partner might be wincing a little with all that deep pressure—but that’s exactly what they want.

Both therapists will work on your body in their own way, but the room stays peaceful. No chaos. Just calm energy. You both enjoy it at your own pace.

What If One Massage Takes Longer Than the Other?

This crossed my mind too. But it’s all timed perfectly. Whether you both get an hour or 90 minutes, both massages start and end together. So no one’s left waiting.

Your therapist will just adjust their routine to make sure everything flows smoothly. You won’t even notice the difference in style once you’re deep into the experience.

My Experience with a Mixed-Style Couples Massage

The first time I did this, I went in a little nervous. I told my therapist, “Please go easy, I just want to relax.” She smiled and said, “You’re in for a treat.”

Meanwhile, my partner was already asking his therapist to “go deep.”

As the massage started, I felt the warm oil on my back. Her hands moved in gentle, flowing strokes. The tension melted. I could hear my partner breathing deeply beside me, letting go of all that tightness in his muscles.

For a moment, I forgot we were getting two different massages. It was peaceful. Just us, together, yet in our own bubbles.

When it ended, we looked at each other and smiled. I was relaxed. He was refreshed. Different massages. Same great feeling.

Why You Shouldn’t Force the Same Style

One thing I learned: massage is personal. Your body is different from your partner’s. What relaxes you might not help them at all.

So don’t feel pressured to get the same thing. The idea of a couples massage is about sharing an experience, not doing it the exact same way.

The room is shared. The moment is shared. The massage? That’s up to you.

And let me say this again—yes, you can get a Swedish massage and your partner can get a deep tissue massage in the same room. No problem at all.

Questions You Should Ask Before Booking

When you book your couples massage, just let them know ahead of time. Say something like:

I’d like a Swedish massage, and my partner prefers deep tissue. Is that okay?”

They’ll appreciate knowing in advance. And they’ll match you with therapists who specialize in each style.

You can even request male or female therapists, choose music, oils, or even decide if you want to chat during the massage, or stay quiet.

Tips for the Best Experience

Let me give you a few tips so your couples massage goes smoothly:

Talk to your therapist before it starts. Mention what you like or dislike.

Don’t be shy. It’s your session. You’re paying for comfort.

Drink water afterward. Especially if your partner gets a deep tissue massage—they’ll need it.

Schedule it at a relaxing time. Don’t go right before a big event. Let the relaxation linger.

Is One Massage Better Than the Other?

Not really. It’s all about what your body needs. A Swedish massage is great for relaxation, sleep, and stress relief. A deep tissue massage helps with pain, tension, and recovery.

Neither is “better.” They just do different things. You and your partner can choose what fits best, and still share that peaceful moment together.


So, if you’ve been wondering, can I get a Swedish massage while my partner gets deep tissue during a couples massage?—The answer is a big yes.

The massage world is flexible. Therapists are trained to meet your personal needs. You don’t have to match your partner. You just have to enjoy the moment.

When I left the spa that day, I felt light. Calm. Happy.

My partner felt strong and pain-free.

Two different massages. One perfect day.

So go ahead—book that couples massage. Let yourself unwind your way.

Want a soothing experience with the best therapists in town?

Visit Raleigh Massage for personalized and professional care you’ll both love.

FAQs

1. Can two people get different types of massages during a couples session?

Yes, each person can choose the massage style they prefer. Swedish for one, deep tissue for the other—no problem at all.

2. Will the room stay peaceful if one person gets a deep tissue massage?

Absolutely. Therapists work quietly and in sync. The environment stays calm even if different pressure levels are used.

3. How do I let the spa know we want different massages?

Just mention it when booking. Most spas are happy to accommodate specific requests and match you with the right therapists.

4. Do both massages last the same amount of time in a couples massage?

Yes. Whether you get Swedish or deep tissue, both start and end together. Timing is carefully planned.

5. Is it more expensive to get different types of massages in a couples session?

Sometimes deep tissue may cost a bit more than Swedish. But the difference is usually small. Always check with the spa in advance.

About Lucas Mitchell