Swedish massage is one of the most well-known and widely practised massage therapies. It aims to provide a completely relaxing, rejuvenating and therapeutic experience. In this guide, you will learn all about this specific type of massage and discover the many Swedish massage benefits.
What is a Swedish Full Body Massage?
Swedish massage therapy aims to create a calming and balancing effect on your well-being by focusing on the body’s soft tissues and muscles. Using a combination of light and firm gliding strokes, it is a process that improves your circulation, relieves tense muscles and increases flexibility.
Although it is sometimes confused with deep tissue massage, Swedish massage is much gentler and more soothing. It focuses on the superficial skin surface and tissues. In contrast, deep tissue massage uses a firmer pressure to target different muscle layers and may result in you feeling slightly tender after.
If you’ve never had a massage before, we recommend beginning with a Swedish massage.
What Does a Swedish Full Body Massage Include
A full-body Swedish massage usually begins with a massage therapist massaging your back and neck, then the legs, arms, hands and sometimes the feet.
Several Swedish massage techniques combine to deliver a delightfully relaxing massage through gentle circular pressure applied by the therapist’s hands.
There are five main massage techniques in a Swedish massage, which include sweeping, rolling and kneading, vibration and cupping movements.
Top Benefits of a Swedish Massage
There are multiple benefits of Swedish massage, including:
- Alleviates muscle pains
- Increases blood circulation
- Improves flexibility and range of movement in your muscles and joints
- Supports and aids your immune system
- Enhances your sleep
- Improves posture
- Improves your mood and well-being due to the release of hormones and chemicals
- Aids your body’s removal of toxins
- Decreases the feelings of stress and anxiety
- Lessens tension in the muscles and headaches
- Increases Overall Energy
What To Expect From A Swedish Massage
It’s recommended that you arrive a little early for your appointment to complete any necessary health history or treatment forms before your massage.
Before the massage begins, let your massage therapist know if you have any existing medical conditions or have particular areas of pain or tension.
Your massage therapist will allow you to undress privately and lie down on the padded massage couch. Your dignity is maintained as the therapist will cover you with towels and will only move them to uncover the part of your body being actively worked on.
Be sure to also communicate with your therapist during the massage so they can take into account any delicate or tender areas of your body. This means they will adjust their pressure to best suit you.
Generally, a Swedish massage will last between 30 or 60 minutes, depending on your choice. Shorter sessions usually focus on the top of the back, neck and shoulders. A whole body Swedish massage will also include the entire back area, arms, and legs.
Most people feel very relaxed and a bit sleepy during the treatment. This feeling can continue after the treatment for a while, so allow yourself time to come back to earth.
You may feel quite thirsty or go to the toilet more frequently following massage therapy due to an improvement in your body’s lymph circulation. So it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water to help your body assist with flushing out toxins.
How Often Should You Get A Swedish Massage
Depending on your personal preferences and health goals, you may choose to have a weekly or monthly massage treatment. If your aim is to reduce pain, then a regular weekly massage routine may work best. Your massage therapist can discuss this with you to decide on the right treatment plan for you.
The significant benefits of Swedish Massage make it an excellent way to improve your physical and emotional well-being and should not simply be considered a luxury. Whether you choose to have a massage for relaxation or treatment of health conditions, it’s clear it plays a vital role in self-care.
Why not discover for yourself the benefits of this wonderful therapy and book a Swedish massage today at one of our clinics in Walsall or Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham?