Swedish Massage: What to know about Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage is very popular among people across the globe. This is a kind of therapeutic massage. It works towards offering huge relief to people across the globe from the daily stressful and painful routine of work. The concept was originally developed by Pehr Henrik Ling in the 1800s.

It integrates a huge variety of massage techniques to offer relief from sore muscles, stress, tension, and poor circulation. In fact, most of the Western massage techniques have been originated from Swedish massage.


Surprisingly a majority of therapists in the West are trained in the technique of Swedish massage. This is their preliminary step before learn any other technique of massage. Swedish massage is very popular in Europe and is referred to as the Classic Massage.

Traditional Swedish massage utilizes 5 primary strokes combined with several variations. This is done to achieve complete relaxation and obtain excellent healing effects.

Swedish massage therapists are known for using a huge variety of techniques during a session:

Effleurage 

This technique includes long, gliding strokes. These strokes start from the neck and goes down to the base of the spine. It may also start from the shoulder and goes down to the fingertips. Once the limbs are done, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart.

This works towards offering relief and enhances blood and lymphatic flow. It is usually done with hand or placing thumb pads. The effleurage technique is designed in a fashion to explain the therapist with his/her client’s body and vice-versa.

Friction  

This is known to be the most penetrating of all the strokes in a Swedish massage. It includes deep circular/oblique movements usually made with finger tips or using thumb pads. The massage therapist applies deep, circular movement.

These are given to areas near joints in conjunction with other bony areas including the sides of the spine. Friction tends to break down adhesions.

These are actually knots that arise due to binding of muscle fibers together during the healing process. This works towards contributing to flexible muscles and joints.

Petrissage 

This is a popular technique wherein the therapist involves gentle lifting of muscles up as well as away from the bones. Thereafter, some kind of rolling and squeezing are also used. This is finished with a gentle pressure all over.

The technique usually involves kneading as well as compression motions such as squeezing, rolling, and pressing the muscles.

This enhances deeper circulation. Petrissage also enhances circulation and clears out toxins from nerve and muscle tissue.

Tapotement 

This technique includes a series of rapidly applied percussive movements. The therapist utilizes his hands in an alternate pattern to strike/tap the muscles.


This gives an invigorating effect. There are numerous variations on this stroke.

The stroke can be applied with the edge of the hand. Finger tips are also used for the massage. The technique of tapotement can release stress, tension and cramping from muscles spasm.

Vibration/Shaking

This is a relaxation technique. It involves the massage therapist pressing his/her hands on the back or limbs. The area is shaken for a few seconds. This enhances circulation and the contraction power of the muscles.

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