You open the menu, scroll to Body Massages and stop at two names that sound almost the same: Deep Tissue Oil Massage and Swedish Oil Massage. Both use warm oil, both are full-body, and at Ancient Dynasty both cost exactly the same. So which one should you actually book?
It is one of the questions our Siglap team hears most often, usually over WhatsApp, usually from someone who has had a long week. The honest answer is that neither one is “better”. They are simply built for different moods and different bodies. Here is how to tell which one fits you today.
The short answer
Book a Swedish oil massage if your main goal is to switch off. It is the gentler, flowing option, and the one we usually suggest for a first massage.
Book a deep tissue oil massage if you have specific spots that feel tight and knotted, such as the neck, the shoulders or the lower back, and you enjoy firmer, slower pressure.
Still torn? Start with Swedish. You can always ask your therapist to go a little firmer on the areas that need it, and come back for deep tissue next time.
What happens in a Swedish oil massage
A Swedish massage is built on long, gliding strokes that travel the length of the back, arms and legs, combined with gentle kneading and a steady, unhurried rhythm. The pressure is light to medium. The idea is not to dig into individual knots but to help the whole body settle.
Guests often describe it as the massage where they lose track of time. It suits you if:
- You want to unwind after a busy stretch at work or a long-haul flight.
- You prefer softer pressure, or you are not sure how your body will respond to firm work.
- It is your very first professional massage.
- You find it hard to switch off in the evenings and want an hour that is purely about calm. (Our article on massage, stress and sleep goes into this in more detail.)
What happens in a deep tissue oil massage
Deep tissue uses many of the same strokes, but slower, firmer and more focused. Your therapist works gradually into the deeper layers of muscle around the areas where tension tends to build up, which for most of our guests means the upper back, between the shoulder blades, the neck and the lower back.
Because the work is more targeted, the session can feel a little more intense in places. It suits you if:
- You spend long hours at a desk or on a laptop and feel it across your shoulders by Friday.
- You carry stubborn knots that a lighter massage never quite reaches.
- You simply like firm pressure and find gentle massage too soft.
- Your back and legs feel tight after a big week of running, gym sessions or weekend sport.
If your neck is the main complaint, have a look at five simple fixes for neck tension you can do between sessions, too.
Side by side
| Swedish Oil Massage | Deep Tissue Oil Massage | |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Light to medium | Medium to firm |
| Pace | Long, flowing, rhythmic strokes | Slow, focused, gradual |
| Focus | Whole-body relaxation | Specific tight areas such as neck, shoulders and lower back |
| Good for a first massage? | Yes, our usual suggestion | Yes, if you already know you like firm pressure |
| Price at Ancient Dynasty | From $50 nett | From $50 nett |
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
It should not. Firm is not the same as painful, and a good deep tissue session stays on the comfortable side of intense. Our therapists build pressure gradually and check in with you, especially in the first few minutes while they learn how your body responds.
A useful way to think about it is a scale from one to ten. Somewhere around six or seven, where you can feel the pressure working but can still breathe slowly and relax into it, is about right for most people. If anything ever feels sharp, pinching or makes you hold your breath, say so straight away and your therapist will ease off. Some guests say the areas that were worked feel a little tender the next day, a bit like after a good workout. Tell us if that is something you would rather avoid and we will keep the pressure lighter.
Which one suits your week?
“My shoulders are up near my ears.”
Deep tissue, with extra time on the upper back and neck. Mention it when you arrive so your therapist can plan the session around it.
“I just want an hour where nobody needs anything from me.”
Swedish. Add an essential oil such as lavender if you want the full wind-down experience.
“I have never had a massage before.”
Swedish is the easier introduction. Once you know how your body likes to be worked on, deep tissue is an easy next step.
“I like both.”
Then do not choose. Book a Swedish session and ask for firmer pressure on your problem areas. Our therapists adjust the pressure throughout every session, so the menu name is a starting point, not a rule.
Session lengths and prices
All four of our body massages, including Swedish and deep tissue, share the same transparent pricing, with no GST and all prices nett:
- 30 minutes: $50
- 60 minutes: $56 off-peak, $60 peak
- 90 minutes: $84 off-peak, $88 peak
- 120 minutes: $112 off-peak, $116 peak
Off-peak is Monday to Friday, 11am to 6.30pm, excluding public holidays. Peak covers weekday evenings from 6.31pm, weekends, the eve of public holidays and public holidays.
Sixty minutes is our most popular length and gives enough time for full-body work. For deep tissue, 90 minutes lets your therapist spend longer on stubborn areas without rushing the rest of you. You can add an essential oil to either massage for $8, choosing from lemongrass, lavender, sweet orange, grapefruit, peppermint or ginger, and pair your massage with one of our add on services such as hot stone, or a body scrub in one of our combos.
A few tips before you book
- Tell us about your body. Mention any injury, recent surgery, pregnancy or medical condition before the session starts. If you are unsure whether massage is right for you, check with your doctor first.
- Eat lightly beforehand. A big meal just before lying face down is rarely comfortable.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushing in with your shoulders already tense.
- Speak up during the session. More pressure, less pressure, warmer room, skip an area: all of it is welcome.
- Take it easy afterwards. Have a glass of water and give yourself a quiet moment before heading back out.
Still not sure? Just ask
You do not need to get the choice perfect before you arrive. Tell us how you are feeling and what you want to walk out feeling like, and we will point you to the right massage. Start a booking online, message us on WhatsApp at +65 8796 8535, or call our 24/7 hotline on +65 6636 3777. We are open every day at 13 Upper East Coast Road in Siglap.
