Why Consider Swedish Massage for Your Practice

For many massage therapists, Swedish massage is the foundation of their practice. Swedish massage is one of the most common types of massage therapy, popular among therapists and clients. Using long, flowing strokes, kneading, and gentle pressure, Swedish massage promotes relaxation, loosens tight muscles and improves circulation.

 

If you are just starting your career in massage therapy and have yet to decide on a particular modality or modalities or if you do not currently offer Swedish massage therapy, there are many reasons to consider making it part of your practice.

 

History behind Swedish massage

 

As you explore what Swedish massage is, you find that contrary to its name in the U.S., Swedish massage therapy is not truly Swedish. In fact, in Sweden and most parts of Europe, the modality is referred to as “classic massage.” [1] The Swedish connection is attributed to Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish physical therapist and gymnast, who lived from 1776 to 1837. Ling’s work in combining gymnastics, movement therapies and massage laid the groundwork for what became Swedish massage therapy. His system incorporated a range of techniques to mobilize joints and manipulate soft tissue to enhance the body’s natural movements and improve strength and flexibility. [2]

 

Swedish massage therapy as we know it today actually was invented by Dutch physician and physical therapist, Johan Metzger (1838-1909). To Ling’s movement-based system, Metzer added his medical expertise to develop the techniques that came to characterize Swedish massage, adopting French terms for the strokes applied to the body. [3]  

 

Know Swedish massage therapy elements

 

To understand exactly what Swedish massage is, you need to know the basic techniques or elements that it employs to aid relaxation and provide relief from pain. The five techniques of Swedish massage therapy are:

 

·         Effleurage: Comes from French meaning ‘to skim’ or ‘to touch lightly on.’ As one of the most fundamental techniques of Swedish massage therapy, it uses long, sweeping or gliding strokes often at the start or end of a massage. Performed using fingers and the flat palm of the hand, effleurage increases blood circulation toward the heart, with the long strokes helping to increase the temperature of the soft tissues. It is also effective in stimulating the lymphatic drainage system.  When performed gradually, it helps to reduce tension and stress.

 

·         Petrissage: Following effleurage, petrissage involves kneading movement using palms and forearms. Petrissage targets deeper layers of tissue and fascia. Besides kneading, petrissage also involves lifting, squeezing, and rolling the tissues to manipulate them. The relaxing nature of the technique helps to reduce stress. [4]

 

·         Tapotement: This stroke of Swedish massage involves rhythmic and percussive movements, including hammering, slapping, cupping, hacking and tapping with fingertips, cupped hands or the side of the hand.  The goal of tapotement is to wake up the area being massaged, stimulate nerve endings and boost muscle contraction and relaxation. [5]

 

·         Friction: Friction involves the application of deep, circular movements applied with the fingertips, thumbs or palm. Friction breaks down adhesions and releases tension in certain muscle areas to progressively provide relief from discomfort and tightness in localized areas.[6]

 

·         Vibration or shaking: This technique involves applying shaking or trembling motions applied to the body using hands or fingertips for brief periods.  Vibration helps relax the muscles and joints, improve blood flow and help alleviate muscle cramps, knots, and spasms. Vibration often is applied to areas of restriction and tension.

 

 

Swedish massage benefits

 

Swedish massage has several benefits and for clients new to massage, it provides a gentle introduction to bodywork seeking relief from stress and aches and pain.

 

Reduces tension and stress

There is science to the relaxation that comes with Swedish massage. The smooth, flowing gentle strokes help reduce the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, while at the same time release endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals. As a result, clients feel tension ease and experience a sense of calm and tranquility. Clients can enjoy a more balanced mood and even improve sleep quality.

 

Provides pain relief

Pain relief is another one of the benefits of Swedish massage. With techniques like kneading and friction, Swedish massage therapy improves blood flow to painful areas to remove pain-causing toxins and bring in fresh, oxygen-rich blood. This both soothes sore muscles and helps reduce inflammation and stiffness. [7] Swedish massage is particularly effective for relieving tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

 

Improves circulation

Swedish massage therapy is known to improve circulation by increasing the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body’s tissues. Its gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes help dilate blood vessels to enhance circulation, which both nourishes muscles and organs and accelerates the elimination of metabolic waste products.[8]

 

Increases flexibility and range of motion

Swedish massage benefits also include increased flexibility and range of motion. The various techniques used during a Swedish massage promote greater flexibility in muscles and joints. More relaxed and supple muscles increase flexibility and ease of movement. Swedish massage can also improve range of motion. By targeting specific muscle groups and joints, this massage technique helps increase the body’s pliability and mobility.[9]

 

Swedish massage versus deep tissue

 

Another popular massage modality is deep tissue and while they both employ many of the same stroking and kneading techniques, they are different and designed for different uses. Deep tissues massage compared to Swedish massage applies far more pressure. It targets the inner layers of muscles, tendons and fascia.

 

Another way Swedish massage is different from deep tissue massage, the latter facilities healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It also can help increase blood flow to soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.  Deep tissue massage is helpful for chronic pain from such conditions as lower back pain and fibromyalgia. It also is suited for athletes, runners and those with injuries. [10]

 

Swedish massage provides a foundation for mastering more advanced techniques. From Swedish massage, you can advance to deep tissue massage, for example. Even chair massage can use Swedish massage technique, adapted for practicality. [11]

 

By mastering Swedish massage, you will be able to cater to the needs of a wide range of clients and build a foundation to move on to other massage therapy techniques.