At the hands of a highly skilled massage therapist, a Swedish massage can help relax the entire body by rubbing your muscles in long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. It also helps relieve tension, reduce cortisol levels, which have shown to help address stress, and help promote a sense of calm.
And that’s just the beginning. The benefits of a Swedish massage go beyond relaxation.
So what is it?
A Swedish massage is a whole-body therapeutic massage treatment that can stimulate soft tissues and muscles to help address minor aches and pains and relax your whole body.
Traditionally known as a ‘classic massage’, this is the traditional massage familiar to most people.
Why is it called ‘Swedish Massage’?
Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massages including sports, deep tissue, and aromatherapy. Discover more about the history of Swedish Massage here.
Both Swedish massage and physical therapy were pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) at the University of Stockholm.
In the early 19th century, he developed a system called ‘Medical Gymnastics’ which included movements performed by a therapist. These became known as ‘Swedish movements’ in Europe and ‘the Swedish Movement Cure’ when it came to the U.S. in 1858. Today, we simply know it as Swedish massage.
The benefits of Swedish Massage
Though there are various techniques, each is designed to soothe your muscles and help lower cortisol levels, which in turn has been shown to help lower stress, helping you feel more relaxed.
Unlike
deep tissue massage, Swedish massage therapy uses softer strokes on the bonier, more delicate parts of the body and stronger strokes for thicker muscle. This adjustment of pressure promotes relaxation.Best known for soothing tight muscles while boosting calm and wellness, Swedish massage offers a host of benefits like:
- Easing muscular strain
- Assists in improving range of motion
- Promotes a sense of relaxation & calm
- Helps address stress
- Helps relieve minor aches & pains
Swedish massage at-a-glance
During a Swedish massage, your therapist applies massage lotion(s) and performs various techniques. These techniques can help soothe sore muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle ‘knots’ – or adhered tissues, called adhesions.
Before the massage, your therapist will ask you about any injuries or other conditions they should know of. Inform your therapist of areas of tightness or pain, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. Also remember to share your preference for light or firm pressure.
Additional benefits
Those struggling with muscular strain can also benefit from Swedish massage. Overall, it helps work wonders for those who suffer from minor aches and pain.
Athletes find Swedish massage useful for keeping their muscles relaxed, Therapists use Swedish massage to apply pressure to the muscles using long, gentle strokes, guiding the direction of the blood flow toward the heart. This helps increase oxygen levels in the blood, reducing toxins in the muscles. While helping improve flexibility, to help relax the whole body.
Remember to inform your therapist of any medical conditions you may have. Then get ready to enjoy a relaxing massage almost 200 years in the making. Enjoy!
