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Swedish Massage
2/20/2015
A Swedish massage is the type of massage you’ll usually have at a day spa. It’s the most common form of massage therapy. When someone gives you a backrub, they’re generally giving you a type of Swedish massage, although they’re usually not really getting into the muscles or using proper Swedish massage techniques.
One of these techniques is referred to as effleurage, which means using long strokes of the hand that go up and down the entire back or even the whole body. These firm, sweeping passes are usually done at the beginning of the massage to help you relax and at the end of the massage as a way of soothing the body.
During the main part of the massage, the masseuse will use petrissage, which involved rolling and kneading the muscles. This is usually done mostly on muscles that are knotted up or are inflamed. The masseuse will make the same types of motion as a baker makes when kneading dough. It helps promote blood flow and loosens up the stiff muscle.
Friction may also be applied to muscles. Friction, or applying deep pressure to a muscle using the fingers, thumb, or knuckles, may sound painful. Sometimes it even is, but the pain comes from the tension being forced out of the muscle. It’s actually a “good” form of pain because once the tension is worked out, the pain will be gone.
Finally, tapotement, or a type of rhythmic tapping or knocking, can be done to help muscles relax. However, this technique actually isn’t used that much in Swedish massages any longer because it’s not always very relaxing. While chopping, tapping, or pounding a muscle may ultimately help release tension, it’s definitely not going to make someone feel relaxed, soothed, and happy!
Swedish massage is a great form of stress relief or for getting help with cramped muscles. It’s also a good first massage for those who have never had one before.
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