By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
Four common strokes of Swedish massage are:
- Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
- Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
- Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
- Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand
Techniques are meant to:
- relax you
- stimulate nerve endings
- increase blood flow and lymph drainage
A traditional Swedish massage involves the whole body. You will begin on either your back or your stomach and flip over at the halfway point.