Swedish massage
Swedish massage is what people are referring to if they say “normal massage” or “relaxation massage”. The massage doesn’t have a set sequence of techniques but is instead tailored to you, your needs and anything you r massage therapist finds during the session.
Information about Swedish massage
What does a Swedish full body massage include?
What are the 5 strokes used in Swedish massage?
This is a stroking technique that will most often use the flat of the whole hand and cover wide areas of the body. It can be used to apply oil, to begin the massage, to break up the massage and as a lovely way to end the massage. Effleurage can be gentle and light or deep and slow. As it covers large areas of the skin it can feel wonderfully relaxing and easing for tired and sore muscles.
This is a kneading stroke, where the hands scoop and knead the muscles and skin in a rhythmic motion. This can be done all over the body but will feel different where there is more to hold onto. It can feel wonderfully rejuvenating and stimulating.
This stroke really helps to bring more blood and oxygen to the muscles at a deeper level. Sore muscles can really benefit as the muscle fibres are moved around sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly, helping them to realign, relax more easily and completely and bring relief to tension held there.
Petrissage can also include wringing, skin rolling and pick up and squeeze movements. All of which can bring amazing benefits to the person receiving the massage.
This can be done in a small and specific area, for example when the therapist finds an area of tension and works the muscle to help release it, they may then apply some vibration to the area with the tips of their fingers.
This vibration helps to ease any lingering tension, helps the client relax if the work was particularly deep, and can feel quite gentle. Equally vibration can be used in larger muscle groups, such as the glutes, where the muscles are jostled and moved around more vigorously to help energise and ‘wake’ up the muscles.
Whole body rocking can also be applied during the massage where the body is moved using rocking and vibration on muscles and bony protrusions.
Within this category of massage stroke there are different types of percussion. The massage therapist might use tapping and engage their fingertips and tap up and down the muscle groups being targeted.
Cupping uses a soft hand which strikes the body, engaging the sides and heel of the hand but not the palm. It should not slap, or sting, rather gently bounce off the body and sound hollow.
Hacking is a technique which uses the side of the hands, the forearms are soft and again the aim is to bounce off the body and move at a pace.
Pummelling or pounding uses the side of the fist, where the massage therapist closes their hand and engages the side of the fist in quick sequence.
As the name suggests, friction is used to create the sensation with this stroke. This can be by crossing the fibres of the muscle for example, instead of moving along them length ways.
Passing the hands over the muscle in this way can feel incredibly warming and interesting. It is not a movement which the muscles can create themselves and this adds to the benefits of aiding relaxing and stimulating a good blood supply.
The friction can also be applied to the massage therapist’s hands, by fast rubbing of the hands, heat is created which when placed on the body will help to warm a muscle group and feel incredibly beneficial.
Swedish Massage Reviews
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Benefits of a Swedish massage
Eases tension
The 5 stroke styles of Swedish massage are ideal for helping muscles to ease off and soften.
Increased flexibility
The gentle massaging of muscles and ligaments allows for a greater range of motion to be possible in most cases.
Improved blood circulation
Massage promotes blood circulation which means many people feel more energetic after a massage.
Reduces stress
A massage can help to reduce levels of the stress hormone noradrenaline as well as cortisol, an indicator of stress.
Improved healing
This may tie in with stress reduction but people who are more relaxed, generally, get less sick less often than those who don't.
Improved sleep
A Swedish massage can help you destress and physically unwind, the perfect starting point for a great nights sleep.
What issues could Swedish massage help address?
A Swedish massage is a great way to let go of stress and to unwind. With this can then also come the added benefit of helping you sleep better, among many other possible benefits.
Relaxation
Swedish massage therapy focuses on muscle relaxation, targeting superficial muscles and increasing blood circulation to leave you feeling relaxed and physically energised.
Pain relief
If you suffer with Fibromyalgia or have trouble with headaches, neck, shoulder or back pain, Swedish massage therapy could help to alleviate your symptoms and provide short term relief.
Anxiety and depression
Researchers did a study on the benefits of massage for those suffering with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and found the regular massages and relaxing surroundings improved their symptoms. The overall benefits of massage therapy to your mood may also help address symptoms of depression.
Lower high blood pressure
A study in 2016 concluded that massage therapy caused a decrease in systolic blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate.
Difficulty sleeping
Relaxation techniques are recommended for sleep disorders, so if Swedish massages help you relax it may be worth including them as part of your self-care routine.
Emotional and physical stress
Both emotional and physical stress causes muscles to tense. Booking in for a Swedish massage can help you to relax, alleviate the tension built up in muscles and help to improve your mood - it's also a bit of time for yourself where you can shut the stress of daily life out and bask in some much needed me-time.
Swedish massage therapists
How to book a Swedish massage session
Your Swedish massage questions answered
If you have questions about Swedish massage, we have answers. If there is something you want to know that is not answered here you can contact us directly and we will help in any way we can.
A one hour Swedish massage costs just £45. A 90 minute Swedish massage costs £65.
The main difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage is the amount of pressure applied by the massage therapist during your session.
We always check before the session and during the session about the amount of pressure which is being used, regardless of what kind of massage you are getting so you can be sure it will be just right for you.
There isn’t anything major that you need to do before your Swedish massage. That being said there are a few small things you could do.
– Be well hydrated
– Don’t put on any perfume or aftershave before your session
There is evidence that Thai massage can have a positive effect on several different health issues. Examples of this are:
Alternative therapies you might like to consider
Give the gift of massage
Are you are looking for a present that is sure to be warmly received? Are you looking for the perfect baby shower gift? Would you like to give an experience rather than ‘stuff’? When you want to give someone the opportunity to have some time to relax and unwind but you aren’t quite sure what kind of massage they would like a gift card is the ideal option!
You can either gift someone a specific massage treatment, a package or a monetary voucher they can redeem on any treatment at Origin Massage.