A Quick Look At Swedish Massage

So, just how many of you have had an actual “professional” massage? I stress the word “professional” because your girlfriend or wife half-heartedly rubbing your back after a long day at work doesn’t really count does it? And ladies, the hairdresser rubbing your scalp whilst washing your hair isn’t exactly the release of stress and tension you need is it?

Everyone should experience a professional massage performed by a professionally trained massage therapist at least once in their lifetime. However, trust me when I say once you have one, you will certainly make it a regular activity.

If you are like me, you might be put of having a massage as you feel it is very out of your depth or you are unsure about which one to have.

What is a Swedish massage?

Swedish massage therapy is one of the most highly recognised, loved and respected forms of massage therapy throughout the world. It is very hands on as the therapist uses their hands, fingers, elbows and forearms to massage and manipulate any areas of pain or muscle tension across the body.

Using many different techniques and methods such as Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration, percussion and Tapotement, you will almost immediately feel the effects of the masseuse’s hands on your body as she works through layers of your muscle tissue. The therapist will use each of these methods in a certain sequence, as well as using different speeds and rhythms.

Techniques used;

Effleurage – this is the most common used type of movement during a Swedish massage, a gliding and free-flowing stroke towards the area of the heart using the palms. Using a medium constant pressure, as well as oil, effleurage is sued to warm up your muscles to soothe your body and mind, preparing you for the session ahead.

 

Friction – To fully access your deeper muscle region, friction strokes are used and applied with more pressure. Using the weight of their body, the therapist will lean down on the flat of their hands and source out any muscle pain or tension this way.

 

Petrissage – The same way you would knead dough with your knuckles, the Petrissage technique requires the same type of movement upon the body and is designed to release muscle tension in a very effective way.

 

Vibration – using their fingertips, the therapist will shake the skin or body parts to create vibration, repeating this movement in a sequence to create relief.

 

Tapotement – This is also known as tapping and is used through Swedish massage therapy as well as other massage styles. Using the side of their hands, the masseuse will use a quick and choppy movement to target areas of muscle pain or tension in the body.

 

What are the benefits of having a Swedish massage?

  • Helps to relieve muscle pain or tension
  • Reduces back ache
  • Reduces levels of stress and anxiety
  • Helps to combat feelings of depression
  • Increases blood flow and improves circulation
  • Stretches connective tissue
  • Helps to improve muscle strength
  • Helps with fatigue
  • Relaxes our body and mind
  • Helps to drain metabolic waste
  • Loosens and improves our range of motion
  • Helps with flexibility
  • Improves our sleeping pattern
  • Increases our levels of concentration
  • Enables us to feel a sense of well-being

Why do people have Swedish massage therapy?

Swedish massage therapy serves many different purposes; therefore each person seeks this unique and popular massage style for many different reasons. Some of the mains reasons are;

  • Anxiety, stress or depression
  • Muscle strains or tension
  • Joint pain
  • Sprains, fractures or breaks
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Migraines
  • Sciatica
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Endometriosis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Osteoporosis
  • Parkinson’s
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis

How is a Swedish massage performed?

A Swedish massage session usually includes a full body treatment, however if the client wishes to only have one specific area focuses on then this can be done. It is performed on a massage table or bed which is elevated and fitted to provide you with comfort, as well as enabling the therapist the right amount of accessibility.

The client is usually draped or covered by a towel, enabling the therapist to have contact with the skin as they are able to reach the muscle layers easier this way. Essential oils and natural extracts are used for better movement and to enhance the methods and techniques used throughout the massage. A session typically last for around 60 minutes but you can have longer if you wish or need to

The blog post A Quick Look At Swedish Massage was first published to: Angel of Heathrow

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