What is Swedish Massage?

The following was an assignment given to me while I was attending massage school in 2007.  We were told to write a 1 page paper regarding the basic explanation of Swedish Massage. 

Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), also known as the Father of Swedish massage, founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in Stockholm, Sweden. Physicians from Austria, England, Germany, and Russia went there for training. By 1839, Ling had achieved worldwide recognition. George and Charles Taylor wrote the first textbook on massage, introducing Swedish massage to America in 1886. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that massage was accepted more by the medical profession in the US.

The setting for a Swedish massage is one that is relaxing, comfortable, and safe for both the client and therapist. The massage is given on a table with a full set of sheets, blankets, and pillows for support. The client disrobes to their own comfort level, before lying down on the table. Proper draping techniques are used by the therapist for the client’s safety and comfort. The client has a choice of oil, lotion, or crème to be used for the massage. The room in which the massage is given has low lighting, is kept at a comfortable temperature, and there is calming music playing softly in the background.

There are 5 different types of strokes used during a Swedish massage; effleurage, petrissage, friction circles, vibration, and tapotement. Effleurage is a long gliding stroke where the therapist hands are molded to the body part being massaged. The benefit of this stroke is that it when it is done towards the heart; it returns venous blood flow and lymphatic fluid to the body. Petrissage is a kneading, wringing, or a lift and compress movement using the whole palm or finger tips. The benefit of this stroke is that it increases local circulation. Friction circles are small, circular movements. The benefit of this stroke is to prevent and break up local adhesions and scar tissue. Vibration is a fine, tremulous movement of the therapist’s hands. The benefit of this stroke is that it can stimulate nerve activity. Tapotement is tapping, hacking, use of soft fists, and/or a light plucking with fingertips. The benefit of this stroke is that it can tone muscles and soften tissue.

Swedish massage has many benefits; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some of these benefits include the release of tension, reduction of pain, and an overall relaxed feeling felt by the client after the session is complete. The massage can also increase circulation, improve muscle tone, help to decrease inflammation and swelling, and improve range of motion.