What is a Swedish massage? The ultimate guide
You may have come across Swedish massage treatments, but have no idea what this type of massage involves. Its unique name offers no clue as to how the treatment is played out, so there can be a bit of confusion around it.
That’s why, in this guide, we outline what a Swedish massage is, where it originated from, the benefits of booking regular treatments and much more.
What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is the most popular form of Western massage, and the source of many classic techniques including as tapotement (striking), petrissage (kneading), effleurage (stroking, friction (rubbing) and vibration. These motions form the basis of many types of massage, including deep tissue massage and sports massage.
This is the perfect introductory treatment for people new to massage treatments because it can be either slow and relaxing, or bracing and intense, depending on your needs.
What is the origin of Swedish massage?
Surprisingly, the true origin of Swedish massage has been hotly debated. It has been incorrectly attributed to Per Henrik Ling, the creator of “The Swedish Movement Cure” in 1858 – the basic strokes were actually named by the Dutch doctor Johan Georg Mezger.
By 1890, a number of physicians had documented the effects of this type of massage and it was being widely employed in sanitariums around the world. However, only in the 20th century has its practice widened to become both a holistic therapy and luxury treatment, with physical and mental benefits for everyone.
Five Swedish massage techniques
Swedish massage can be performed using the following five techniques:
Effleurage
Petrissage
Tapotement
Friction
Vibration
1. Effleurage
Effleurage is a technique used at the start and end of a Swedish massage session, and its purpose is to soothe the muscles. This technique is delivered using gentle circular and gliding strokes. Different pressure is applied to loosen any knots.
It’s worth noting that there are three levels of effleurage based on pressure:
Feather stroking (light pressure)
Superficial effleurage (medium pressure)
Deeper effleurage (heavy pressure)
2. Petrissage
Petrissage is a Swedish massage technique that involves a stronger, kneading motion. Your therapist will use this technique to compress soft muscle tissue. It can be performed in various ways, including:
Kneading
Rolling
Lifting
Wringing
This technique takes the longest amount of time during a session and is responsible for stretching and loosening muscles in order to promote blood circulation.
3. Tapotemen
Tapotemen is otherwise known as tapping or drumming and is used to help stimulate blood flow all across the body. This Swedish massage technique promotes the production of endorphins, encouraging relaxation.
4. Friction
Friction is performed by rubbing areas of the body using thumbs or fingers. Applied using either circular or linear patterns, sore areas are rubbed in order to soften and realign muscles.
5. Vibration
Finally, vibration can be used as a Swedish massage technique. This method involves shaking and helps the body to loosen up. Using their palms, massage therapists will shake your skin and muscles on your back, and this is best used for areas with large scars or knots.
What happens during a Swedish massage?
After discussing your needs, your therapist will perform a variety of the above techniques, adjusting the towel as they go so you always feel comfortable. You should let them know if you prefer a firmer or lighter pressure at any time. If your therapist finds a particularly tense area they may use a stronger touch, but you should never feel unbearable pain.
Swedish massages may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours and can have a cumulative effect. If it’s your first time having a massage, your therapist may perform more surface work, so they can get into deeper muscles next time.
You may feel some areas of mild soreness the next day. If this happens, try taking a warm bath and drinking plenty of water.
Five benefits of Swedish massage
Swedish massage is an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and may offer the following benefits:
Increase blood circulation
Reduced stress
Lymphatic drainage
Increased range of motion
Better sleep
1. Increased blood circulation
One of the key benefits of Swedish massage treatments is increased blood circulation. This eases pain experienced in sore muscles and helps the body to feel relaxed.
2. Reduced stress
Following on from the first benefit, you can expect to reduce any stress you’re experiencing when you book a Swedish massage treatment. All types of massage improve wellbeing, promoting the production of endorphins, meaning you’ll feel less stressed at the end of your treatment in comparison to the start.
3. Lymphatic drainage
Another benefit of Swedish massage is lymphatic drainage. This helps to rid your body of toxins through stimulation of the body’s lymphatic system. Drainage can help to keep your immune system in a good place, so considering regular massage treatments can be great for your health.
4. Increased range of motion
Regular Swedish massage treatments will also help you increase your range of motion. Feeling more flexible can make regular day-to-day tasks feel a lot easier, as well as performing different sports.
5. Better sleep
When your muscles are relaxed, your chances of sleeping well are increased. Having tight muscles can make it harder to switch off at night, so we recommend exploring Swedish massage as a way of keeping your muscles relaxed on a regular basis.
How does Swedish massage differ from Chinese massage?
Swedish massage is grounded in Western concepts of physiology and anatomy, rather than an Eastern understanding of “meridians”. Chinese massages are designed to balance qi, or “life force” within the body, by releasing both physical and energetic blockages.
While no less balancing, Swedish massages use similar principles to realign the body, deeply release the muscles and promote blood flow to areas of tension, but are less spiritual in their philosophy.
Either tradition of massage can be used to increase relaxation, improve sleep and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Who should try a Swedish massage?
Swedish massage can be both relaxing and energising and is ideal for anyone who wants to leave the treatment feeling calmer and more composed.
Although it uses a lighter pressure than many other types of message, it isn't appropriate for pregnant women – select a specialist pregnancy massage instead. If you’re suffering from a serious illness, you should speak to your doctor before starting any course of massage therapy.
Book a Swedish massage to your home today with Urban.