WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET A SWEDISH MASSAGE?
Swedish massages are what most people would think of when picturing a massage. They involve stroking movements, tapping and kneading of muscles and vibrations (think chopping hands on your back you see on tv!). These strokes will be softer than other methods with less pressure applied across the body. This will also change based on the area with slightly more pressure applied to the larger muscles groups.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SWEDISH MASSAGE?
The main benefits of Swedish Massage on the body include:
Seeing back pain and muscular tension subside
Total relaxation while improving blood and oxygen flow
A boost to immune system function
A reduction in susceptibility to headaches
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWEDISH AND DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE?
Unlike Deep Tissue or Sports, Swedish Massage uses less pressure with fingertips and hands with no use of forearms and elbows. The emphasis is on relaxation. If you are looking for a treatment to lower your stress levels and soothe pain then this is the massage for you!
DOES A SWEDISH MASSAGE HURT?
This treatment should not be painful but must have a balance between tranquil relaxation and natural pain-blocking reactions (tensing up).
HOW IS A SWEDISH MASSAGE PERFORMED?
During Swedish Massage, the therapist moisturises the skin with massage oil and executes five various massage strokes. These strokes warm up the muscular tissue which releases and breaks up knots and adhesions.
WHAT ARE THE STROKES USED IN SWEDISH MASSAGES?
Effleurage: soft strokes with the palms, thumbs and fingertips
Petrissage: kneading motions with the thumbs, hands and fingers
Friction: circular compression with the palms of hands, thumbs and fingers
Vibration: oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the whole body
Hacking: light slaps with the side of the hand to help stimulate the muscles and prepare them for activity