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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

Be part of the first wave of WorldSprings Ambassadors

on Sep 29, 2025 | 1 minute

We’re building a community of connectors who want to share WorldSprings and earn exclusive access in return. Ambassadors have a one-time sign up fee of $30, then your membership is free (Sunday–Friday access) — and stays free as long as you keep referring friends. All we ask? Share the love with your personal discount code. Here’s how it works: Apply to become an Ambassador here We review applications twice a month. If selected, our team will reach out. Pay your $30 sign-up fee (covers your first month of membership). Refer 10 guests within your first 30 days → earn 3 months of free membership. Referrals are counted based on soak reservations using your unique code provided after you've been approved as an ambassador. Keep referring 30 guests every 3 months → your free membership continues. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. We look forward to having you in our community!

October Exclusive: Our Biggest Giveaway Ever

on Sep 29, 2025 | 1 minute

Our Biggest Sports + Wellness Giveaway Ever Soak at WorldSprings anytime between October 1–31, 2025 for your shot at our biggest giveaway yet: a wellness prize stacked with fitness and recovery perks from favorite local brands, plus a VIP weekend at one of the Dallas Cowboys’ most exciting football matchups. One Grand Prize Winner Will Receive: 💧 1-Year WorldSprings Membership + 10 Guest Passes 🏈 2 Lower Concourse Tickets to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles (November 23, 2025) ✨ 4 VIP Passes to Cowboys Experience Event (November 22, 2025), including up to 3 player autographs 💪 Elite Performance Training (EPT): 1 Week of Adult Personal Training 🩰 Carries Pilates Studio: 5-Class Pack + Grip Socks 🧗 Movement Plano: 7-Visit Rock Climbing Pass 💉 Hydrate IV Bar: 1 Recovery Drip + Swag Bag Approximate Retail Value (ARV): $3,860 The grand prize winner will be announced in the first week of November, good luck! How to Enter Automatic Entry: Book and visit WorldSprings for a soak between October 1–31, 2025 Key Dates Entry Period: October 1–31, 2025 Winner Announced: First week of November 2025 Official Rules Eligibility: Open to Texas residents, age 18+. Employees of WorldSprings and partner brands, and their immediate families, are not eligible. Winner Selection: Random drawing will take place within 7 days after the entry period. Winner must verify identity and respond within 48 hours; otherwise, an alternate winner will be selected. Conditions: Prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if needed. Release: By entering, participants agree to release WorldSprings, partner brands, and Instagram from any liability. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram. Sponsor: WorldSprings, 3240 Plano Parkway, The Colony, TX 75056. Void where prohibited. No Purchase Necessary: Enter for free through our alternate online entry form.

Muscle Recovery Tips for Cyclists

on Sep 25, 2025 | 5 min

Whether you're clocking long miles in the Texas sun or spinning through a weekend hill climb, endurance cycling pushes muscles, tendons, and energy systems to their limits. And what you do after a ride can be just as important as your training. For cyclists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and those visiting Texas on an active vacation, WorldSprings offers a science-backed approach to recovery. From hydrotherapy to personalized wellness circuits, we're here to help you reduce fatigue, ease muscle soreness, and prepare for your next ride. Why Recovery Matters After a Ride Post-cycling recovery is a crucial aspect of maintaining peak performance and long-term health. Proper post-bike ride recovery supports tissue repair, restores mobility, and reduces the risk of injury — all of which are key to achieving consistent, sustainable improvement on the bike.1 Seven Tips for Muscle Recovery Every Cyclist Should Know 1. Refuel with Carbohydrates and Protein Refueling after a ride is essential, as your body needs to replenish glycogen stores and rebuild muscle fibers. Within 30 to 90 minutes of finishing your ride, consume a meal or shake. It should be a mix of carbohydrates and protein in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio.2 Eating during this window accelerates post-cycle recovery and reduces next-day soreness. Skipping this step can leave you exhausted and prevent you from doing your best on the next ride.3 Peanut butter and dried fruit are both nutrient-packed, post-ride snacks.4 2. Hydrate Drink water during your ride and continue for several hours afterward. Why? Even mild dehydration can impair recovery and increase muscle soreness. Add electrolytes if the ride was over an hour or occurred in hot conditions.5 Doing so will help replenish electrolytes lost during the long, strenuous trek. To avoid the complications that come from dehydration — which also include poor sleep and slow overall recovery — cyclists should drink plenty of water daily. Specifically, men should consume 3.7 liters, while women should consume 2.7 liters a day.6 If you need to refill your water bottle, no worries. You can also get hydration from different foods and other fluids beyond H2O. 3. Use Cold Immersion to Reduce Inflammation Muscle inflammation can cause soreness after a challenging ride, and cold plunges can help provide relief. The icy dip helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling to minimize muscle soreness. Experience the therapeutic power of an icy dip in one of WorldSprings' cold plunges, promoting recovery and helping to alleviate aches and pains. The frigid temperatures are intense, so start with a 30-second plunge. If you can tolerate a bit more chill time, don't exceed two minutes. For enhanced benefits (and to make the low temperatures more manageable), consider soaking in our mineral hot springs first. Contrast therapy (moving from hot to cold water) helps minimize muscle damage and speeds up the return of normal muscle function by getting rid of waste while improving circulation.7 4. Soak in Mineral‑Rich Water Soaking in mineral hot springs for their healing properties is a wellness approach that dates back centuries. You can reap the same rewards (with a modern touch) at WorldSprings with a soak in our waters. You'll find our hot springs in four globally inspired regions. Visit the Guatemala and Mexico area, where wading in the magnesium-, potassium-, and bicarbonate-infused water helps reduce inflammation. The bicarbonate, magnesium, and potassium in the Japan & Korea region is also ideal for athletes to aid muscle recovery. 5. Try Compression Therapy Compression boot therapy can be beneficial after intense training or a marathon. The boots apply rhythmic pressure to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and support lymphatic drainage.8 This hands-free massage may also help you become a stronger cyclist by improving your ankle and knee range of motion — allowing you to pedal faster. Book a compression boot therapy session at WorldSprings to give your lower body a much-needed reset. 6. Sit in a Sauna Many athletes incorporate sauna bathing into their post-cycling recovery regimen. Sitting in the heat aids heart health by promoting better circulation. The heat also dilates blood vessels, providing a clear pathway for oxygenated blood to get to tight muscles to ease tension.9 At WorldSprings, the dry heat in our Finnish saunas will help melt away muscle tension and expedite recovery after an intense ride. Plus, it supports relaxation and stress relief after a hard session. 7. Book a Targeted Massage In general, massage therapy eases muscle tension and promotes relaxation. Different techniques, however, offer targeted treatment to address various concerns. For instance, the gentle pressure of a Swedish massage helps release mild tension in superficial muscles caused by issues such as poor posture and repetitive motions while performing daily chores. A deep-tissue massage might be the better choice for cyclists, as the firm pressure targets deeper muscles as well as tendons and fascia (connective tissues) affected during strenuous exercise. WorldSprings' massage menu includes deep-tissue massage and other techniques to help visitors achieve their wellness goals. Personalized Recovery: The Mineral Method at WorldSprings WorldSprings is the premier post-cycling recovery destination for Dallas–Fort Worth cyclists and visiting riders alike. Whether you're coming off a long ride, active vacation, or endurance event, our holistic offerings help refresh body and mind. The Mineral Method, our wellness circuit, provides a tailored journey through contrast therapy, mineral soaks, sauna sessions, compression boot therapy, and spa services, including deep-tissue massage. Take the Mineral Method Quiz to find your ideal post-ride recovery path. Make reservations today! Sources Rutberg, J. (18 August 2021). Best Tips for Post‑Ride Recovery. USA Cycling. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://usacycling.org/article/best-tips-for-post-ride-recovery Walker, J. (24 April 2015). Sports Nutrition. Alive. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.alive.com/health/sport-nutrition/ A Guide to Pre and Post-Exercise Nutrition for Optimal Performance. KaleV Fitness Solution. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.kalevfitness.com/blog/a-guide-to-pre-and-post-exercise-nutrition-for-optimal-performance/ Housler, B. (8 May 2024). Top 10 Cycling Muscle Recovery Tips from Professional Racers. EVOQ .Bike. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.evoq.bike/blog/pro-cycling-recovery Keary, L. (7 August 2025). When to Drink Electrolytes, According to Experts. Men’s Health. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a65616220/when-to-drink-electrolytes/ van Vugt, B. (16 January 2024). What are the hydration needs of cyclists? Hammer Nutrition Europe. Retrieved September 18, 2025, from https://www.hammernutrition.eu/article/what-are-the-hydration-needs-of-cyclists-151 (May 7 2024) 11 Unique Benefits of Contrast Therapy for Athletes. River Birch Nordic Sauna. Retrieved September 18, 2025, from https://www.riverbirchsauna.com/blog/benefits-of-contrast-therapy-for-athletes Martens, A. (18 December 2023). Your Complete Guide to the Benefits of Compression Recovery. Prevention. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/g45912433/benefits-of-compression-recovery/ Kaloc, J. (25 October 2018). Why Cyclists Should Have a Sauna Regularly. We Love Cycling. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2018/10/25/why-cyclists-should-have-a-sauna-regularly/

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