MASSAGE THERAPY

SWEDISH MASSAGE

A relief to stress

This is the most common type of massage therapy, and what many people are thinking about when they hear the word "massage" or try to give someone else or themselves a good massage. Swedish massage uses a combination of these basic movements:

• Long, sweeping strokes (effleurage), usually used at the start and end of a massage

• Muscle kneading and rolling (petrissage), where the muscles are worked on just like kneading dough

• Friction, where deep pressure is applied to a particular spot with the thumb, fingertips, or knuckles

• Rhythmic tapping (tapotement), fast percussion movements like chopping and even pounding. 

• Best for: An intro to massage, stress relief, relaxation, releasing cramped or tense muscles, couples massage