Swedish Massage is a great way to be introduced to massage.It is generally thought of as the standard full body massage.It can be a 1 to 1½ hour session, and can be tailored to fit the goals of the patient.Benefits:
Relaxing or stimulating
Releases painful adhesions and fibrotic nodules
Increases circulation
About Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage had its origin in 1813 and was included in the curriculum at the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.Today Swedish is most often referred to as “standard massage.”It was developed by Per Henrik Ling of Sweden, who was a fencing master and gymnastics instructor.Generally, Swedish Massage begins and ends with light effleurage, which follows the venous flow.It is a long, flowing and wonderfully relaxing stroke that can be incorporated to transition from one area of the body to another, or changing to different techniques within a session.It is also a great stroke to incorporate into other bodywork modalities.Effleurage
Glides over the skin with long strokes working from light to heavy pressure
Distributes the oil or lotion
Accustoms the patient to touch
Shows where soreness is present
Provides passive stretch to skin, muscle and connective tissues
Increases circulation
Wonderfully relaxing
Pettrisage
Rhythmical
Lifts and squeezes the muscle mass--it’s like kneading bread
Helps to release toxins and waste products that are stored in muscles due to overuse or under-use
Assists venous and lymph circulation
Helps to free adhesions
Friction
Used after the body is prepared by effleurage and pettrisage
Works deeper into tissues that require more intensity
Depends on pain tolerance of patient--gradually working deeper is the key to pain tolerance
Movements can be lengthwise, cross-fiber or circular
Can Be used to further release adhesions, soften spasms, and work into joint spaces
Tapotement
Used to stimulate muscles
Great for athletics--sports massage technique
Great for inactive muscles that have become apathetic
Consists of light, rapid blows in the form of hacking, cupping, slapping, beating, quacking, squishes, skritchies and pincement
Vibration
Tremulous movement by hands and fingers or by electrical vibrator
