This massage was created by a gym instructor from Sweden named Pehr Henrik Ling. He started this technique at the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics. The Swedish Massage is used in table massage. There are five different types of strokes that are incorporated with this massage:
Effleurage – This stroke is used for lubricant application. It is also used to get your clients to get familiar with your touch. This French word means glide or flow. That is what you are doing when you use this stroke.
You allow your hands to get deep into the skin and the muscles. This can be done in the same area a few times. Go with the shape of the client’s body, using this stroke over the entire area that is being massaged. This stroke can also be used for detecting muscles tightness. Using Effleurage can help to remove toxins from your body. This stroke can be performed with one or both hands. There should be a continuous blood flow to the client’s heart as you apply the strokes.
Petrissage – This is a kneading stroke. Put the client’s soft tissue in your hand and lift it, then squeeze it, and release it. Repeat the process for the affected area. This stroke has to be performed in a slow and firm manner.
This kneading stroke disposes of toxins and waste from the soft tissues. Blood along with oxygen replaces it and provides nourishment.
Friction – This stroke is also called a compression because you are pushing down and squeezing the tissue. Along with this is the compression stroke that provides more circulation. In order to work this, you slide your hands in a back and forth motion across the client’s skin.
Vibration – This stroke deals with shaking. It involves rocking with a rhythm at a slow pace. You can use your fingertips or hands. Some therapists will use electrical items. However, it is not necessarily prudent to use anything electrical.
They can cause your client’s skin to become numb and without feeling. In addition to that, the therapist may lose nerves in their hand. You can do this vibration stroke in one of three ways: rocking, coarse, or fine. With the fine version, it works with the digestive system. For the coarse version, another word for this method is jostling. This method helps to loosen muscles in your joints.
Tapotement – This stroke is considered as a light blow or touch. It has a rhythmic method in which the edge of the palm is used. You can also use the heel of the hand. It is used as a stimulator. It is also used to relieve cramped muscles.
With Swedish massages, a massage therapist will have to use oils in order for the treatment to be effective.
