Based on classic european massage techniques, this full body massage helps soothe and relax tired muscles and balances circulation. It is not a specific step-by-step protocol, but rather, a style of massage that can be adapted to a therapists preferred style and the client's immediate needs.
Generally performed on bare skin, Swedish Massage is characterized by long, fluid, progressively firmer strokes toward the heart. These strokes can be performed with lotion or oil to reduce friction and prevent chafing and are usually following by a kneading technique called petrissage to help break up adhesions and facillitate myofascia release. The client is fully draped during a swedish massage keeping the muscles warm and protecting the client's modesty. Swedish massage can be performed over clothing, also. When working with a clothed client, therapist wll usually use a large piece of silk (like a scarf) instead of lotion or oil to reduce friction and maintain a fluid technique.
Many therapists finish a Swedish Massage with tapotements, a percussive tapping to reinvigorate the muscles and ease the client back to alertness. (Though I've never heard of a client complain about "massage fog.") Some therapist take a section by section approach (smoothing, petrissage, tapotement, re-drape area and move on) when performing Swedish Massage. The pressure and speed utilized with Swedish Massage is determined by the goal of the massage and the condition of the recipient. A relaxation massage generally uses lighter pressure and a slower speed than a therapeutic massage. A Swedish Massage can utilize Deep Tissue techniques which I can talk about in my next blog post.
