Swedish Massage

The Swedish system of massage is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology. The term “Swedish Massage” refers to the variety of techniques used to relax muscles by applying pressure to them.

Swedish massage shortens 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. The main purpose of Swedish massage is relaxation and stress relief.

Swedish massage brings relaxation to the body by manipulating the muscles with long, gliding strokes that follow the direction of blood that is returning to the heart, thereby increasing oxygen flow in the blood.

Swedish massage increases circulation, stimulates the skin and the nervous system and stretches ligaments and tendons. Swedish massage is often used successfully as a part of a regular program for managing stress.

Swedish massage can also be used as therapy for people who suffer from any type of debilitating joint disorder that causes them pain. This benefit of the Swedish massage work is to increase the elasticity in the tissues, flexibility of the tissue, and to reduce pain.

There are five basic massage strokes:

1. Gliding (effleurage) – This is a basic stroke that lightly sweeps over the skin without attempting to move deeper muscle mass. It is the most widely used massage stroke. The strokes are rhythmical and the speed of movement is constant.

The purpose of gliding strokes is to:

• Begin and end the massage

• Spread lotion

• Evaluate the client’s soft tissue

• Accustom the client to your touch

• Determine the client’s pain tolerance

• Relax and reassure the client

• Lightly stretch the muscle tissue

• Enhance venous blood flow and lymphatic flow , thereby reducing certain types of edema and improving circulation

2. Kneading (petrissage) – This is a lifting, grasping and rolling technique that compresses the muscle mass. The strokes are moved forcefully and with firm pressure. Ischemic compression causes reflex vasodilation to increase the circulation.

The purpose of petrissage strokes is to:

• Assist the venous return and removal of metabolic by products

• Free adhesions in the muscle belly

• Enhance fluid movement in the deeper tissues

• Stretch muscle tissue

• Stretch fascia

3. Friction – This describes several techniques that are used to reach the deeper tissue, especially around joints and bony prominences where ligaments and tendons are attached to. Cross fiber friction, transverse friction and palmar friction are compressive movements that are commonly applied perpendicularly to the long axis of muscle tissue.

The purpose of friction is to:

• Separate tissues and break down adhesions

• Increase circulation

• Soften necrotic tissue between fascia

• Aid absorption of fluid around joints

4. Tampotement or percussion – This includes techniques that tap, beat, slap or strike muscle tissue. The movements are highly stimulating and do not have much force behind them. The techniques are also referred to as hacking, cupping, tapping, pincement and squishing.

The purpose of using tampotement strokes is:

• To stimulate muscles to improve performance (athletic/sports massage)

• Increase circulation in amputated areas

• Loosen phlem

• Tone muscles

5. Vibration – This is a continuous shaking or trembling movement. Vibration may be fine and easy where it is applied with fingertips over a small area. Vibration may be coarse where it involves shaking a large muscle (like the claves).

The purpose of using vibration is:

• Desensitize an area or particular point

• Stimulate an area when used coarsely

• Sooth and relax when used lightly