What Is Swedish Massage and Is It Right for You?

Many people are often confused by the term "Swedish massage," wondering whether it's a type of massage therapy that originated in Sweden, if it's an appropriate therapy for a particular injury, or just what the heck this term means at all. So let's explore what exactly Swedish massage is, what it can treat, and why it might be worth seeking out.

For starters, the term Swedish massage is typically only used in North America. In other parts of the world (including Sweden), it's referred to as "classic massage." Developed from a set of calisthenics-like exercises created by Pehr Henrik Ling in the early 1800s, today Swedish, or classic, therapeutic massage focuses on the mind/body connection while employing a series of five different specialized motions for manipulating muscles and relieving tension.

The five techniques that are traditionally associated with Swedish massage therapy are:

Effleurage uses sliding and gliding movements, applied using fan-style stroking, circle-stroking, and other movements.

Petrissage uses kneading motions to compress soft tissues together slowly and firmly in order to dispel knots, release accumulated toxins, and promote relaxation of the muscles and body.

Tapotement uses rhythmic tapping, often performed with different parts of the hand (edge, back, palm, etc.).

Friction creates heat when properly applied, relaxing you by stimulating your nerves and soothing any sore muscles.

Vibration, or shaking, is applied by the massage therapist for pain relief and increased blood flow, which can enhance relaxation.

Utilizing different intensities and frequencies to treat the various muscles throughout your body, these five motions will form the basis of any Swedish massage, be it concentrating on a targeted area or a full-body treatment.

This type of massage therapy can provide a wide range of benefits from simple relaxation and stress reduction to improving the function of injured areas or damaged tissue. Other results can include improved circulation, reduced pain, and even relief for stiff joints. Used for recreational stress relief as well as treatment for muscle pain and injuries, these massage techniques can enhance the well-being of a broad range of patients.

Swedish massage is by far the most popular type of massage therapy in the United States. Often employed as a full-body massage, this modality can be used to treat everyday aches and pains, stress, muscle tension, and other issues. However, as with any type of treatment, make sure to discuss whether Swedish therapeutic massage is the best solution for your stress, muscle injury, etc. with your massage therapist. As trained professionals, therapists can make informed recommendations regarding the appropriateness of a particular massage style for your specific circumstances.

Maria Allen is an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, specializing in affordable online advertising for local businesses.