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Unwind with a Swedish Massage: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: Jan 11, 2023

A Swedish massage comes to mind when you think of a traditional one. It is the most often-used type of massage therapy and provides a superb opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation.




What Is Swedish Massage?​

Effleurage, a series of stroking motions, begins a Swedish massage. To softly touch or skim is what the French verb effleurage means. This technique uses long, gliding, or circular massage strokes in succession with varying pressure levels.


A patient's body is given effleurage to help release tension and untangle tense muscles. At the beginning and the end of a massage therapy session, it is used to warm up and relax the muscles.


Benefits of Swedish Massage

Do you need to make a Swedish massage reservation? See a few of the benefits listed below to discover why a Swedish massage can be a sensible move for you.


  • Management of Pain - A Swedish massage can help you manage your pain naturally if you have a chronic ailment like osteoarthritis or sciatica and are experiencing chronic pain.

  • Your massage therapist can target those regions and utilize a stroking motion to increase local circulation and alleviate muscle tension if you let them know where your pain points are.

  • Blood flow increase - To widen your blood vessels, your Swedish massage therapist should employ effleurage, a lengthy, stroking motion in the direction of blood flow toward the heart.

  • Injury treatment for the muscles - Your therapist should employ friction and kneading to treat any current wounds, such as adhesions (which occur when muscle tissues fuse). It's common knowledge that this technique, which relaxes layers of muscle, gives the impression that the massage therapist is working out the kinks according to Swedish massage aficionados.

  • Greater adaptability - You have a more excellent range of motion when your muscles are more relaxed. Anyone can avoid exercise-related ailments and make the most of the workout sessions by regularly stretching and receiving Swedish massages.

  • Lessened tension - Swedish massages are designed to promote maximum relaxation; you'll be lying on a massage table in a serene setting for a proper massage for a substantial time (between 60 and 120 minutes).

Techniques Used in a Swedish Massage

Your therapist will ask questions about your health and way of life before the massage starts. Then, they will ask you to lie on a massage table specially made for you, and they will cover you with towels to keep you warm and preserve your privacy. Next, they will typically use creams or oils to help them massage your skin smoothly.


The four most typical Swedish massage strokes are:


  1. Smooth, flowing strokes to relax soft tissue are called effleurage.

  2. Petrissage: a form of kneading, rolling, or squeezing

  3. Deep, circular motions called friction can enhance blood flow and dissolve scar tissue.

  4. Tapotement is tapping with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand Vibration.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Swedish Massage


An at-home Swedish massage is highly recommended. Then, you are in your most comfortable setting. The therapist will provide the table and all of their supplies.

The therapist will ensure your dignity is upheld by allowing you time to change privately and

utilizing draped blankets or towels when you are required to strip to your underwear.

Inform your massage therapist know if you have any particular pain points or health issues.


Your massage will last 60 or 90 minutes, depending on your selection.


Common Questions About Swedish Massage


If you are pregnant and in your second or third trimester, this form of massage is not only safe but also advised. For your Swedish massage, the massage therapist will either have you lie on your side or have you choose a comfortable seat.


Swedish massage is indeed a fantastic self-care option, but it's much more than that. A Swedish massage is an excellent choice for people new to massage or those who want a full-body massage treatment because it has both physical and emotional health advantages.


Swedish Massage Specialist in Eugene, Oregon

Boon Thai Massage & Bodywork offers Swedish massage in Eugene as part of our main offering. Call us today.


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