Swedish massage is the most common and well-known type of massage in the West. It is also the mother of other popular types of western massage, such as sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy.
Therapists use this massage - based on the anatomy and physiology of the abdomen - to increase circulation, relax tense muscles, increase mobility and reduce pain.
If this is your first spa experience and you are not someone who gets a massage very often, Swedish massage may be a suitable choice for you. While most people prefer 50-60 minute sessions in Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, 75-90 minute sessions will give your therapist more time to work on your muscle tissues and get results. Swedish massage can be very slow and gentle, or it can be active and powerful, depending on your therapist's style and your wishes.
In all Swedish massages, the therapist lubricates the skin with massage oil and applies a variety of massage strokes, including the basic techniques for traditional Swedish massage: effleurage, petrification, friction, impaction, vibration, nerve tapping, and Swedish gymnastics.
These movements warm up the muscle tissue, relieve tension, and dissolve muscle knots and adherent tissues. In addition to its health benefits, Swedish massage also provides extra relaxation. Of course, your therapist should ask you about any previous injuries you have experienced or other health conditions that he or she should be aware of before therapy.
Things you want to tell your therapist may be tension or pain, pregnancy or allergies. If you have a preference about the pressure to be applied during the massage, you can also specify it.
You usually rest your head in a U-shaped face cradle so your spine remains neutral. The therapist generally works by using various massage strokes such as friction, stretching, pulling, tapping and effleurage.
After the back part is finished, it continues with the back part of your legs, the front part of your legs, arms, neck and shoulders.
Some therapists work in a different pattern and they all have their own style and techniques.
If the pressure is too light or too firm, you need to speak up and ask your therapist to adjust it. If you want deeper work and are willing to endure more pressure to get relief from chronic muscle pain, you may be better off getting a deep tissue massage, another form of Swedish massage.