Known as a “classic massage” in many countries, the Swedish massage is the best known and most widely practiced type of massage therapy. There are a variety of techniques used in Swedish massage including circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, light tapping, and more.

• Pain management

  If you have a condition like sciatica or osteoarthritis and are suffering from chronic pain as a result, Swedish massage can be an effective method for managing that pain in a natural way. Notify your massage therapist about your pain points, he or she can target those areas and use a stroking motion to improve local circulation and reduce muscle tension.

• Increased blood flow 

  Your Swedish Massage Therapist should use effleurage – a long, stroking motion in the direction of blood flow towards the heart – in order to open up your blood vessels and increase your blood flow. Increased blood flow means that your muscles are getting more nutrients and oxygen and that your body is removing toxins more efficiently.

• Rehabilitation for muscle injuries 

  Your Therapist should also rely on kneading and friction to address any existing injuries, such as adhesions (which occur when muscle tissues fuse together). Many people say that this technique, which relaxes layers of muscle, makes it feel as if the Massage Therapist is “working out the kinks.”

• Increased flexibility

  When your muscles are more relaxed, you’re able to experience a wider range of motion. A combination of Swedish massage and regular stretching is a great way for anyone to stave off workout-related injuries and get the most out of their periods of exercise.

• Reduced stress 

  Swedish massages are meant to maximize relaxation—you’ll be on a massage table, in a peaceful environment, with a professional spending an extended time (between 60 – 120 minutes) giving you a massage. The combination of the hands-on attention and the environment should relax you, lowering the level of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. Lowering your stress level offers a surprising number of additional benefits, including reducing or eliminating tension headaches, giving you more energy, and allowing you to get a better night’s sleep.

• Improved immune system. 

  One other great benefit of reducing your stress with a Swedish massage is that the lower cortisol levels allow your immune system to grow stronger, meaning that you’re less likely to get sick and can spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

Swedish massage is a great way to treat yourself—but it’s also a lot more than that. The physical and mental health benefits of a Swedish massage make it a great option for those new to massage or someone looking to a complete massage experience.