Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage
What is Swedish Massage
If you’ve ever had a massage or been to a spa the term Swedish massage is probably a term or service you’ve heard or seen listed. But what is a Swedish massage and how does it differ from other massages?
Swedish massage refers to a style of massage that was invented by a Swedish fencing instructor in the early 1800s. The techniques he used involved the use of hands, forearms, or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles and soft tissue to improve mental and physical health. The techniques used in a Swedish massage involve stroking and gliding, friction, kneading, and tapping of the soft tissues; sometimes passive and active movements in the joints may also be used in the technique. Swedish massage techniques are one of the most commonly used techniques in north american massage clinics and spas.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage has many benefits including increased blood circulation, mental and physical relaxation, decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of motion.
Physical Benefits of Swedish Massage
loosening tight muscles and stretching connective tissues
relieving cramps and muscle spasms and decreasing muscle fatigue
loosening joints and improving range of motion
increasing muscle strength
calming the nervous system
stimulating blood circulation
firming up muscle and skin tone
relieving symptoms of disorders such as asthma, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic and acute pain syndromes, myofascial pain, headache, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and athletic injuries
speeding up healing from injury and illness
improving lymphatic drainage of metabolic wastes
Mental and Emotional Benefits
mental relaxation
improvement in length and quality of sleep
relief of stress, depression, anxiety, and irritation
increased ability to concentrate
improved sense of well being
Swedish Massage Techniques
Effleurage
The most common technique used in Swedish massage, effleurage is a free-flowing and gliding movement towards the heart, tracing the contours of the body using the palm of one or both hands. This stroke is applied in a light or medium constant pressure. Effleurage is typically used to warm up the muscles and prepare the tissue for a deeper massage, relax the body, calm the nerves, improve blood circulation and heart function, and improve lymphatic drainage.
Pétrissage
This technique resembles kneading dough. It involves lifting, rolling, and squeezing the flesh under or between the hands. Pétrissage is designed to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and increase lymphatic drainage.
Friction
Friction strokes work on deeper muscles than the techniques previously described. The technique is a pressure stroke and is performed by applying pressure by placing the weight of the therapist’s body on the flat of the hand and the pads of the thumbs, knuckles, fingers, or the back of the forearms, and then releasing the pressure slowly and gently.
Vibration
Vibration gently shakes or trembles the flesh with the hand or fingertips. Vibration is designed to release muscle tension in small muscle areas, such as those on the face or along the spine.
Tapotement
Tapotement, or tapping and percussion, is a quick choppy rhythmic movement that has a stimulating or toning effect. The following are variations of tapotement:
Cupping: The therapist forms the hands into a cup shape. The therapist strikes the flesh with the flat of the hands one after another in quick succession.
Hacking: This technique is similar to cupping. The therapist uses the sides of the hands with palms facing one another to make a chopping movement.
Pummeling: For this stroke, the therapist makes loose fists in both hands and applies them rapidly in succession over the thighs and buttocks.
Tapotement techniques are invigorating to most people but may be too intense for some. When prolonged, tapotement leads to overstimulation and even exhaustion of the nerves and muscles.
How We Use Swedish Massage
Swedish massage techniques are the main techniques used in Flex and Flow Massage’s relaxation treatments. Techniques and elements such as effleurage and friction may also be used to facilitate healing during therapeutic treatment.