By the team at St Albans Thai Massage · Last updated 12 November 2026
Choose traditional Thai massage if you feel stiff all over and want to be stretched. Choose deep tissue if you have specific knots or one area that needs firm, focused work. If you want both, that is what our Thai Deep Mix is for.
The quick comparison
| Traditional Thai | Deep tissue | |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | No | Yes |
| Clothing | Loose clothes stay on | Undress to your comfort level, towels provided |
| Technique | Acupressure and assisted stretches | Slow, firm pressure on knots |
| Best for | General stiffness, feeling looser | Stubborn tension in one area |
| Lengths | 60 or 90 minutes | 60, 90 or 120 minutes |
Traditional Thai massage
Traditional Thai massage works along the whole body with palm and thumb pressure, then moves you through stretches. People who sit a lot, or who feel tight through the hips, back and shoulders, often prefer it.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses oil and slow, targeted pressure. Your therapist spends longer on the areas that need it, so it suits a tight neck and shoulders, a sore lower back or legs that are heavy from training. It can feel intense on a knot, and you may be a little tender the next day.
Cannot decide? Thai Deep Mix
The Thai Deep Mix is our most popular treatment. It is a head-to-toe blend of the two: Thai pressure work across the body with deep tissue where you need it.
For sport and training
If your aches come from running, the gym or a sport, look at sports massage, which focuses on recovery and mobility.
Price
All of these are £70 for 60 minutes and £105 for 90 minutes. Whichever you choose, tell your therapist how firm you like it and they will adjust.
Which is better for a tight back and shoulders?
If the tightness is in one or two specific places, deep tissue lets your therapist spend the time there. If your whole back, hips and legs feel stiff, Thai massage or the Thai Deep Mix covers more ground. Our guide to a tight neck, shoulders and back goes further, and what a muscle knot is explains why those sore spots form.
Which is more relaxing?
Neither is the gentlest option. If relaxing is the main aim, look at Thai hot oil, aromatherapy or Swedish massage.
Does deep tissue hurt more than Thai massage?
Deep tissue can feel more intense on a knot because the pressure is concentrated. Thai massage spreads the work across the body and adds stretching. In both, the pressure is yours to set.
Can I change my mind during the session?
You can always ask for more or less pressure, or for more time on one area. If you want both styles from the start, book the Thai Deep Mix.