A Swedish massage is the most popular and basic modality and is the best-known type of bodywork performed today. It is performed with light to medium pressure and affects the superficial major muscle groups by providing long gliding strokes throughout the body in the direction of the blood returning to the heart.

The skin is first lubricated with massage lotion and/or oils. Various massage strokes and movements are performed to warm up the muscle tissues.

All massage professionals have their own style of techniques they apply to various massage modalities which, vary per professional and may include the following:

⦁ Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
⦁ Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
⦁ Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
⦁ Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
⦁ Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
⦁ Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

If at any time you start to feel any discomfort or pain, please inform your therapist so another approach can be taken.

Benefits of a Swedish Massage: A Swedish massage is the best type of massage when it comes to relaxation and is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing toxins in the muscle tissues, improving circulation, and increases flexibility while easing tension and metal stress. A Swedish massage promotes an overall sense of relaxation throughout the body and may also help invigorate the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.

Swedish Massage Performance: A standard Swedish massage is recommended to be scheduled for an average of 60 to 90 minutes and addresses most major superficial muscle groups of the body. The session is usually performed on a comfortable massage table in an ambient environment that is meant to promote relaxation.

Recommendations Following a Massage: A Swedish massage has a detoxifying effect on one’s body. It is recommended to drink plenty of water after a Swedish massage to flush metabolic waste from the muscle tissues. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for the next 24 hours after receiving a massage.

Consultation: Prior to the start of any massage treatment, massage professionals will have each client complete a client health history intake form. The main purpose of a client intake form is to inform the massage professional of current and past health issues and injuries (within the year) so, special care can be taken to treat current issues and prevent additional injury.

Ethical Services & Professionalism: By law, all clients receiving services by a licensed massage professional must be properly draped underneath a sheet, blanket, and/or towel during all massage therapy sessions. During a massage you are generally nude or in undergarments underneath the draping. The massage professional uncovers only the part of the body he/she is working on. Our professionals will give each client privacy by leaving the room to wash their hands while each client undresses/dresses when getting on and off the massage table. Our professionals will also knock and ask to re-enter the room.

Precautions & Contraindications: Massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in some cases it is best to obtain a written doctors referral. Massage therapists, may not, under the written law, attempt to diagnose any medical conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for more information.

Additional Tip: May want to avoid eating a heavy meal before a massage.

Contraindications to Receiving Massage Therapy: Massage treatment is relaxing and natural. It is generally considered a safe treatment for most people however, there are three types of “Contraindications” where massage could be provided but may be limited or, massage is not recommended at that time.