Swedish massage is a body massage using a sequence of appropriate grips and tissues (from the superficial layers of the skin to deeper tissues) on which the therapist “works”.
The following techniques are used during Swedish massage.
- EFFLEURAGE
Effleurage or in other words STROKING is a series of soothing and stroking movements made with the palm of the hand and used to warm up the muscles before performing deep tissue work. Depending on the strength of pressure, they are divided into superficial and deep. The purpose of this most commonly used technique is to remove exfoliated epidermis and skin secretions, and to move venous blood and lymph towards the heart. Thanks to this, our skin is better nourished and stagnation and swelling disappear.
- RUBBING
Rubbing is the second massage technique, using reciprocating and circular movements. Characteristic of this massage technique is the generation of heat and thus improvement of blood supply and nutrition of the massaged tissues. The technique increases tissue elasticity.
- PETRISSAGE
Petrissage or in other words KNEADING. This massage technique applied on large muscle groups uses kneading movements using the hands, thumbs, fingers, and forearms. The movements are applied with one or both hands using alternative pressure to press and release soft tissues. Pressure is applied by lifting the soft tissue up from underlying structures, or by compressing down, toward underlying structures. The purpose of kneading is to push out blood, lymph and waste substances, making room for nutrients, the muscles regenerate faster after physical activity and increase their strength and endurance.
- FRICTION
Friction massage therapy technique uses compression and motion that is intended to disrupt and breakdown existing and forming adhesions (knots) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This deep tissue massage technique is used to increase circulation and release areas that are tight, particularly around joints and where there are adhesions within the muscles or tendons.
- TAPOTEMENT / PERCUSSION
Tapping is a rhythmic percussive technique where brisk hacking or tapping is used rhythmically using the fingertips, ulnar borders of hands, palmar surfaces of the hands, the fists, or a cupped hand. This massage technique improves muscle trophy, reduces nervous excitability and neuralgic pain. The advantage of tapping is also the acceleration of metabolism. In my work, I can use light, medium or strong tapping.
- VIBRATION
Vibration involves transmitting vibrations from the masseur’s hand, causing the massaged part to vibrate rhythmically. Vibration massage technique is a fine, gentle, trembling movement performed with hands or fingers. This technique, depending on the speed and pressure, can be used to stimulate soft tissues in the body, stimulate nerves, relieve muscular tension and decrease stress. Vibrations at a slower pace are an effective treatment to produce a feeling of relaxation.
What do you gain from Swedish massage?
Swedish massage itself has an analgesic effect, improves tissue nutrition and the appearance of the skin, which which results in its better oxygenation and supply with blood, regenerates muscles, increases flexibility and elasticity of joints and ligament apparatus, and lastly, accelerates our metabolism. Just one properly performed massage reduces tension around the back and neck.
Mobile Massage Therapy by Izabela 