What is Swedish Massage?

by Valerie Gladstone — August 22, 2007

I guess I should have asked Roland before my massage what type he administered. I thought a massage is a massage is a massage. Well, no. My Tui Na massage was very different from what Roland did as a practitioner of Swedish massage. I preferred the Swedish massage largely because it was in my home, I could talk to Roland (at the Tui Na salons, most managers and therapists only speak Chinese) and feel a more personal connection, and I like the uses of oils and lotions. But one can get 2 Tui Na massages for the price of one Swedish from someone like Roland, who does house calls, so there's that to consider.

I thought it would be helpful, albeit after the fact, to explain a Swedish massage. A Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling developed the technique in the 1700's. Now the most commonly offered and best-known type of massage in the U.S, the term refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The main purpose is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Benefits

• It can shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes.
• It increases circulation without increasing heart load.
• It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable.
• It stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time.
• It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.
• It feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well-being.
• It also appears to enhance the immune system.

Techniques

• The therapist generally uses massage oils to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. They include long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions.
• The person is covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping." One part of the body is uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. The usual length of a massage is 40 to 90 minutes.

Sequence of Techniques:

• Effleurage—Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs, and/or fingertips
• Petrissage—Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs, and/or fingers
• Friction—Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs, and/or fingers
• Vibration—Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
• Percussion—Brisk hacking or tapping
• Passive and active movements—Bending and stretching

Why People Get Massage Therapy

• Back pain
• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis
• Stress relief and stress-related conditions
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains, and sprains
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Circulatory and respiratory problems
• Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation
• And of course because it feels soooooooooooooo good and is a great gift to give yourself

AMTA's locator service can help you find a qualified massage therapist, or if you are in New York or New Jersey, call Roland Davis at 917.428.7123.