What is Swedish Massage Therapy?
Swedish massage is the most well-known and most common type of massage therapy. The gentlest form of hands-on body work, Swedish massage therapy is designed to promote overall relaxation and well-being. Unlike deep tissue massage or myofascial release massage, Swedish therapy is a full-body massage technique that targets superficial muscle groups. During a Swedish massage, the massage therapist promotes muscle relaxation by rubbing the muscles in the same direction as blood returning to the heart. Techniques include long gliding strokes, circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, bending, and stretching.
As noted, Swedish massage therapy is a full-body massage technique in which the therapist will concentrate on each area of the body in turn. However, the massage therapist may concentrate on some areas more than others if he or she determines that some muscle groups are holding stress or require a firmer pressure to work out “knots”. For example, it is extremely common for individuals to “hold tension” in their shoulders and upper back, so it make take more time to fully relax those muscles. Every Swedish massage session is fully customized to meet the goals, and enhance the comfort, of each individual, and it is important to communicate with your massage therapist before and during your session.
Benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy
Generally speaking, the primary benefit of Swedish massage is relaxation! You should leave your massage session feeling loose, relaxed, and stress-free. But relaxation is not the only benefit of Swedish massage therapy. In fact, Swedish massage has a number of physical and emotional benefits that make it well-worth carving out some time in your busy schedule. For example, some additional benefits of Swedish massage therapy include:
- Increased blood flow. By stimulating the muscles with long strokes in the direction of blood flow to the heart, Swedish massage helps to open up blood vessels and improve blood flow around the body. In turn, this ensures that your muscles are getting more oxygen and nutrients and helps flush out harmful toxins more effectively.
- Improved muscle flexibility. By thoroughly relaxing the large muscle groupings, your body can experience a greater range of motion and improved flexibility. Especially when combined with a regular stretching routine, Swedish massage is a great way to minimize recovery time between workouts and prevent potential injury.
- Improving recovery time for muscle injuries. Most physicians will say that the best way to recover from a muscle-related injury is rest, relaxation, and avoiding activities that cause additional pain and discomfort. Swedish massage has help promote injury rehabilitation by kneading out adhesions and promoting muscle relaxation and flexibility.
- Pain management. Swedish massage can be an effective method of naturally managing chronic pain from sciatica, osteoarthritis, and other conditions. By communicating with your massage therapist about your specific pain points, he or she can target those areas for additional stroking and massaging for improved local circulation and enhanced muscle relaxation.
- Stress reduction. Stress reduction is likely the most well-known benefit of Swedish massage, because it really does work! Promoting muscle relaxation and improved circulation creates a physical response designed to counter your mental stresses by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. And by reducing your stress, you will find you feel better overall, with greater energy, fewer headaches, and better sleep, which in turn enables you to cope with stress better!
- Improved immune system. Reducing your levels of the stress hormone cortisol has an additional benefit as well: it actually strengths your immune system and promotes your body’s ability to self-heal, so you spend less time under the weather and more time enjoying life!
Is Swedish Massage Therapy for Me?
Swedish massage therapy is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to improve their well-being by reducing stress and enjoying a greater level of relaxation. Whether you have a specific goal or are simply looking for a way to feel a little more relaxed as you make your way in a busy, stressful world, Swedish massage is gentle and therapeutic, and a great way to make a little time just for yourself!
Contact Us
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.