SWEDISH MASSAGE

What is Swedish massage?

What can you expect from a Swedish massage session

Questions about what a swedish massage session involves

What are the main Qualifications a practitioner should have?

What can Swedish massage treat?

What is Swedish massage?

The techniques that make up Swedish massage are thought to have been systemized by Johan Georg Mezger (1838 - 1909).

He attributed the French terms to describe the basic techniques: effleurage, (long gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (tapping) and vibration.

A lubricant, such as oil, cream, or lotion is applied on the skin to facilitate the techniques and reduce friction.

The therapeutic use of Swedish massage was wide spread in Europe and North America in the mid 1800’s and has been the basis of many massage styles ever since.

What can you expect from a Swedish massage session

Recieving swedish massage is a pleasant and relaxing experience.

It is a flowing and gentle technique but the therapist can use deeper pressure as directed by the receiver.

Questions about what a swedish massage session involves

• Do I need to buy any equipment?

No

• What to wear

This massage is performed directly on the skin and so clothes will have to be removed.Your practitioner will cover areas not being worked on with towels or a sheet.

• How long is a session

1/2 hour to 1 hour

• What is expected of clients?

During the treatment all you will have to do is lie on a massage couch and enjoy the treatment.

• Average costs / fees per session

You can expect to pay approx £40-50 depending on length of session, experience and location

What are the main Qualifications a practitioner should have?

Registration with the General Council of Massage Therapy https://www.gcmt.org.uk/

What can Swedish massage treat?

Swedish massage is mostly used for relaxation and well being. It can help prevent injuries and aid in the recovery of injuries.

It has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Many people experience improved sleep after Swedish massage.

For research articles on massage try PubMed. https://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/pubmedsearches.html

The Touch Research Institute has a list of studies showing the positive effects of massage. https://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/Massage.htm

The online Massage Magazine also has articles on research. https://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/research.php

The Massage Therapy Foundation has a research database, you need to register to have access. https://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org

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