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Professional therapeutic bodywork services in the heart of Philadelphia. Our bodywork therapists provide personalized treatments to help you relax, recover, and rejuvenate.
InSpa PHL offers Shiatsu, a Japanese-style bodywork, alongside Swedish-style and deep tissue sessions at 1217 Race Street in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, near the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
This page explains what each technique involves, how they differ, and how to choose one. Call to discuss your preferences, confirm rates, and schedule your visit.
Asian bodywork is a general term for a family of hands-on traditions from East and Southeast Asia. Many of them apply pressure with the fingers, thumbs, and palms rather than the long, oiled strokes common in Western styles, and some are performed through loose clothing.
At InSpa PHL, the Asian-style session we offer is Shiatsu. We also offer Swedish-style and deep tissue bodywork, which come from Western traditions. The sections below describe each one so you can decide what to ask for when you call.
Shiatsu is a Japanese-style technique. The practitioner applies steady pressure with the fingers, thumbs, and palms to specific points and along the body, and may add gentle stretches or rocking movements. Shiatsu is traditionally performed without oil, with the guest in loose, comfortable clothing.
Guests often describe the feeling as firm, rhythmic pressure that holds in one place and then moves on, rather than gliding across the skin. It tends to suit guests who like focused point pressure or who would rather stay clothed. Ask when booking what to wear and how the session is performed.
Swedish-style bodywork uses long, gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements over the surface layers of muscle, with lotion or oil. Pressure is usually light to medium and the pace is smooth and continuous.
This is the style most guests picture when they think of a relaxing session. It tends to suit first-time guests and anyone who prefers gentle, flowing movement over concentrated pressure.
Deep tissue bodywork uses slower strokes and firmer, more direct pressure aimed at the deeper layers of muscle. A session may spend more time on one or two areas, such as the shoulders, lower back, or legs, rather than moving evenly over the whole body.
The pressure can feel intense at times. Tell your practitioner your preferred pressure before the session begins and ask for adjustments whenever needed. It tends to suit guests who already know they like firm work on specific tight areas.
| Shiatsu | Swedish-Style | Deep Tissue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Japan | Europe | Western, developed from Swedish-style |
| Pressure | Steady, held point pressure | Light to medium | Firm and focused |
| Movement | Pressing and holding, with gentle stretches | Long gliding strokes and kneading | Slow strokes across the muscle |
| Oil or lotion | Usually none | Yes | Yes |
| Clothing | Usually loose clothing | Draped with a sheet | Draped with a sheet |
| Typical focus | Whole body, point by point | Whole body, general relaxation | Specific tight areas |
These are general descriptions. Ask when booking how each session is performed at InSpa PHL, including clothing and draping, so you know what to expect.
You do not need to know the techniques in detail before booking. Start with what you want from the session:
Whichever you choose, mention any injuries, sensitivities, or other concerns before the session. Your practitioner can discuss whether the requested service is appropriate and what adjustments might help. You can ask for a change in pressure or stop the session at any time.
Searches for Asian bodywork often turn up other names. Here is what they generally refer to:
The Asian-style session on our services list is Shiatsu. If you are looking for a specific tradition or a particular element, such as stretching, call and ask before booking so we can tell you what is available.
Shiatsu is traditionally performed through loose, comfortable clothing without oil. Ask when booking what to wear and whether anything will be provided.
Pressure is held rather than glided, so it can feel firm, but it should not be painful. Tell your practitioner if any point feels too strong and ask for lighter pressure.
Call and describe what you would like, such as mostly gentle work with firmer pressure on the shoulders. We can tell you whether that fits an available session.
Many first-time guests choose Swedish-style because the pressure is light to medium and the movement is flowing. If you already know you prefer firm pressure, ask about deep tissue or Shiatsu instead.
Call InSpa PHL to talk through the options, confirm current rates and session lengths, and check appointment availability.