Article
What is a Swedish Massage?
What is a Swedish Massage?
What Is a Swedish Massage?
When practicing self-care, few things are as rewarding as receiving a massage. The perks span far and wide, from feeling relaxed during the massage to the lasting benefits you can enjoy afterward. Here, we take a closer look at one of the most popular forms, Swedish massage.
What Is a Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is one of the most widely practiced forms of massage therapy. In this technique, massage therapists use a combination of kneading, gliding strokes, and other movements to elicit relaxation throughout your body. Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling developed the technique in the 1800s, first established as a component of his “Swedish Movement System.” Its goal was to enhance mobility through the manipulation of soft tissue1.
What Is a Swedish Massage Like?
Today, Swedish massage typically involves the whole body. Your massage therapist will let you know whether you’ll begin on your back or stomach, and you’ll flip over when directed. If there’s a specific area you’d like to target, you can let your massage therapist know ahead of the session. You can also tell them whether you prefer light, medium, or firm pressure.
Throughout your session, your massage therapist might use any of the following Swedish massage techniques:
Effleurage
A massage therapist uses their hands or forearms to stroke the targeted area(s), following the direction of blood flow to stimulate circulation and alleviate tension. The practitioner might also use the strokes to gain insight into a client’s tissue based on how it responds to touch.
Effleurage falls into three categories: feather stroking (light pressure), superficial stroking (the weight of a hand manipulating muscles near the skin’s surface), and deeper stroking (to reach deep muscles)2.
Petrissage
A practitioner kneads targeted areas to squeeze muscles and tissue. The strokes stretch and relax tight muscles, aiding recovery and comfort, while improving circulatory and lymphatic system function3.
Friction
Usually performed with the thumb, friction massage aims to soften deep tissue surrounding the joints with small, circular motions to help relieve soreness. The friction also improves flexibility by separating scar tissue4.
Tapotement
Massage therapists sometimes use this rhythmic tapping as a stimulating effect, which can be useful for invigorating clients at the end of a massage before they resume their day.
Vibration
With a fine trembling motion applied with the palm or fingertips, massage therapists use vibration to release specific tissue for improved relaxation5.
Swedish Massage Benefits
Some of the most noticeable and immediate effects of a Swedish massage include full-body relaxation and soothing of sore muscles. Aside from these Swedish massage benefits, here are some other advantages you might experience.
Targeted Pain Treatment
If you’re experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain, a Swedish massage might help. Evidence suggests people experiencing discomfort in these areas have at least some pain relief following a massage. For chronic pain, the effects might be greater with routine sessions.
Improved Sleep Quality
Some people with sleep challenges find that Swedish massage helps them relax, thereby improving their sleep quality. Sleep issues related to anxiety appear to have the greatest improvements with recurring Swedish massage sessions6.
Enhanced Mood
Various massage techniques have mood-boosting benefits, and Swedish massage is no exception. In addition to helping with general stress management, Swedish massage can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, including elevated pulse and high blood pressure. The technique might also improve symptoms of depression6.
Better Circulation
Swedish massages might help improve blood flow throughout the body, which can have far-reaching benefits such as reduced inflammation, better cardiovascular health, and improved digestion6.
How to Prepare for a Swedish Massage
Hydrate
Massaging soft tissue gets fluid pumping and into your circulatory system. Your body will drain the fluid through its natural waste removal processes, but to stay hydrated, be sure to drink enough water before your massage and replenish lost fluids by sipping water afterward7.
Dress Comfortably
You’ll prepare for your massage by undressing to your level of comfort. Robes are available at WorldSprings, but consider wearing something you can easily slip in and out of for convenience.
Skip Jewelry
Leave any jewelry at home that could get in the way of your massage therapist’s gliding motions. Massage oil is applied to facilitate ease of movement, so it’s best to keep accessories to a minimum.
Aftercare Tips
In addition to rehydrating with fluids, be mindful to avoid anything that could dehydrate you quickly after your massage, such as alcohol. To maximize the relaxing benefits of your massage, ease back into your day gradually. Try to block off some time to rest so your body can soak in the benefits of your session.
Swedish Massage & More at WorldSprings
WorldSprings offers rejuvenating spa services and the opportunity to soak in mineral hot springs in one central location. Book a Swedish massage to release tension and restore balance in your body and mind. When you book any massage or facial, enjoy complimentary soak access as part of your spa experience.
1. (December 8, 2024). The Evolution of Swedish Massage: From Per Henrick Ling to Modern-Day Practices. The National Massage Association. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://worldchampionship-massage.com/the-evolution-of-swedish-massage-from-per-henrik-ling-to-modern-day-practices/
2. (July 2, 2023). What Is a Swedish Massage? WedMD. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from, https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-a-swedish-massage
3. McKechnie GJ., et al. (December 1, 2007). Acute effects of two massage techniques on ankle joint flexibility and power of the plantar flexors. J Sports Sci Med. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3794491/
4. Barnes, SP., et al. (September 12, 2023). Efficacy of massage techniques for hypertrophic burn scars – A systematic review of the literature. J Burn Care Res. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from, https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article-abstract/45/2/356/7270579
5. (February 25, 2018). Swedish Massage — The Complete Guide. American Institute of Clinical Massage. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://www.aicm.edu/blog/2018/2/25/swedish-massage-expect
6. Cherney, K. (January 20, 2022). What Are the Health Benefits of Swedish Massage? Healthline. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-swedish-massage
7.Grutzmacher, A. (July 17, 2018). Why Do Massage Therapists Always Tell Me to Drink Water? Hackensack Meridian Health. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from, https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2018/07/17/why-do-massage-therapists-always-tell
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