Many people are no doubt very familiar with the name of this particular type of massage,  A Swedish massage is a relaxing massage and is tailored to your needs for optimal relaxation and stress relief.

There are many Swedish massage techniques  that are used during this session.  What you feel from a Swedish massage will vary, based on what the client wants to accomplish during their session. A Swedish massage can be a mix of vigorous strokes, or it can feel gentle and relaxing.  Traditionally, a Swedish massage is made up of long and smooth strokes that will encourage relaxation and a sense of calm. 

When deciding to choose a Swedish massage, you should ask yourself, “Am I looking for stress relief and relaxation or do I have a specific pain problem that I want worked on?”  We can hlep you decide what type of massage is best.

Swedish Massage Techniques and Benefits

A massage of this type is defined by certain strokes that the massage therapist will use, not to mention a distinct style. In all massages of this type, the therapist is going to begin by first lubricating your skin with some massage lotion not an oil; then, he or she will get to work on your skin.The reason why we lotions or cremes versus oil its because oils are too slippery and provide no traction or grip on the muscle tissues. Its our opinion that massage lotions and cremes provide a better massage experience. But if you have a special oil or lotion bring it in and we will use it for your massage.

 

The strokes the massage therapist will use are meant to both warm up and then work your tissues of your muscles. In addition, the strokes will also release tension from your muscles and also break up the knots within your muscles.

Swedish Massage Techniques:

1. Effleurage, during this technique your therapist will use long, sweeping strokes over the entire body instead of focusing on just one area. An effleurage usually starts and then ends a Swedish massage session.

2. Petrissage, this technique is the art of squeezing and kneading of your muscle tissues between the thumb and the fingertips. This technique works deeper into muscles helping them to relax and works out the “knots!”

3. Friction technique is a circular stroke or a series of short strokes that generate heat go with the lines of the muscle fiber or against them to break up adhesions in the muscle tissue.

4. Percussion stroke or technique is nothing more than hacking, which is when the therapist “chops” your muscles with the edges of their hands.

5. Stretching, as the name implies, is when massage therapists manipulates either your legs or your arms into various positions to increase length and make your muscles more responsive to stretching.

Swedish Massage Benefits

There are many benefits to a Swedish massage, which is why is it really popular. As it stands, Swedish massage comes with benefits for both your physical body and for your emotional well-being.

In terms of physical benefits, a massage of this type can undo knots in your muscles, decrease pain in your body, and increase blood circulation, lymph and metabolic wastes from your muscle tissues. As for the mental benefits, Swedish massage can relax your mind and de-stress you, thereby allowing you to get into better psychological moods.

If you are feeling run down and at the brink of depression a Swedish massage is the perfect remedy. There is stress all around us everyday and how your body handles this stress is what makes the difference between poor health and longevity. Another important benefit of a Swedish massage is its ability to help you sleep better are night. With sleep your mind will be able to rest and your immune system will be able to work to heal your stressed muscle tissues.