What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage is the best-known type of massage and like other massage techniques, can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, or feet. Its primary goal is to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes. Swedish massage combines various techniques including gliding, kneading, and cross-fiber friction to break up adhesions (commonly called “knots”), with light, rhythmic, tapping strokes on topmost layers of muscles. It can be slow and gentle, or vigorous and stimulating, depending on what the therapist wants to achieve.

Swedish massage is generally performed in the direction of the heart, sometimes with active or passive movement of the joints. It is used especially for relaxation, relief of muscular tension and improvement of circulation and range of motion. Swedish massage has benefits beyond relaxation – it is also beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, and improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing, and can even help with recovery after an injury.