Swedish Massage

Swedish massage (traditional classic western massage) is the most common massage technique used in health clubs, spas, and resorts. Swedish massage is applied with oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. Simple, passive, nonspecific joint mobilizations and stretching may also be incorporated. 

Therapists use a combination of:

effleurage (gliding)

petrissage (kneading)

friction

vibration

tapotement (percussion)

Therapeutic benefits include:
delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells
removal of toxins from cells
increased blood flow, muscle tone, & mobility
strengthening of the immune system
shortened muscular recovery (flushes lactic acid...)

muscle tissues strengthened, stretched and relaxed

synovial fluid produced in joints

increased kinesthetic awareness

Origin of Swedish Massage

Pehr Ling developed a system of medical gymnastics, which included passive joint movements in Sweden in the 1800s. These Swedish exercises helped develop our U.S. public school gymnastic programs in the 1850s.  Swedish massage was popularized in the United States in 1920.

- Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques by Tappan
- The General Principles of Gymnastics by P.H. Ling