About Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage consists of a series of maneuvers performed mainly on muscles and joints. It is a vigorous system of treatments designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation with basic strokes all flowing toward the heart.

The Swedish massage was developed by Pehr Heinrick Ling (1776-1839) in order to enhance the performances of athletes. Today, Swedish is one of the most widely taught and practiced massages in Quebec and the West.

Benefits

The Swedish massage is a versatile technique providing many benefits. Both toning and relaxing for muscles, this technique also increases blood and lymphatic flow as well as toxins’ elimination. It can be practiced both for therapeutic or relaxation purposes. The massage therapist will tailor the rhythm and depth of his procedures according to the needs of the client.

The Swedish massage allows relaxation as well as mind rest. Particularly soothing, it is recognized for its ability to lessen the effects of stress on the body.

A rigorous and firmer massage is ideal to relax muscle tension and pain caused by a bad posture, repetitive movements or sport injuries. Therefore it provides relaxation, suppleness and tones the body.

Proceedings

The Swedish massage is practiced on a massage table, with oils or gel, or massage chair, without oils or gel, since the receiver remains dressed. At the beginning of the session, the therapist fills out a health questionnaire and tailors the treatments depending on the client’s expectations.

He then invites the receiver to lie under a sheet. The massage begins with gentle proceedings to warm up the muscles and then starts to exert deeper pressure. The therapist uncovers only the body part that is being treated.

The Swedish massage has a pre-established strokes sequence, both firm and gentle, that is tailored according to the client’s needs or preferences. In occurrence of pain, the therapist will work more deeply on the involved region. The therapist will end the massage with softer strokes and will invite the receiver to rest a little to experience the care to its fullest.

Contraindications

The Swedish massage counter indications remain the same as for most techniques: fever, infection, sores or skin problems and cardiac disorders background

copy of RMPQ