What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is a manual oil therapy conceptualized in the 19th century by the fencing master Henrik Ling. In this sheet, you will discover this massage in more details, its principles, its techniques, its history, its benefits, how a session unfolds, how to become a therapist and finally, the contraindications.

Often referred to as the most classic form of body approaches, Swedish massage is a dynamic massage technique that aims to dissolve tension and strengthen muscles and joints. Its toning and relaxing effect promotes blood and lymphatic circulation and the elimination of toxins, and helps the body to regain its natural balance.

The main principles

Swedish massage is a very classic oil massage that requires fluid and long movements (see techniques below). The theoretical springs of this discipline are numerous: its creator, PH Ling was inspired by knowledge in physiology, anatomy and concepts of physical education of the Nordic peoples. He also used his experience of the movement as a fencing master and his knowledge of ancestral massage techniques used by gymnastic doctors in the Greco-Roman era. A final element came to complete the basic rules of his approach: the power of thought on the body. Best swedish massage in bangalore

Swedish massage techniques

The technique includes several basic maneuvers that have remained the same for generations:

Effleurage: this maneuver often takes place at the beginning and at the end of the massage. It consists of making slow and rhythmic movements in the direction of the heart to relax and prepare the individual for other maneuvers.
Kneading: done with the pulp of the thumbs and fingers, this maneuver aims to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles. The soft tissues of the body are stretched and kneaded deeply.
Friction: Friction is the most powerful part of massage. It aims to soften the tissues while breaking the knots. Here, the masseur presses the tissues of the massaged with his hand, his fingers or his thumbs through a circular motion.
Percussion: Drums are rhythmic blows made using hands, fingers and fists. Beginning slowly, the blows accelerate over the massage and slow down.
Vibration: vibrations stimulate nerve endings through very gentle pressure of the fingers and hands on the tissues. This pressure causes rapid tremors that act on the nervous, muscular and lymphatic systems.
These maneuvers allow to solicit all the muscles and to work them in depth. Performed in a specific order, they create effects similar to those achieved by gymnastics.

The benefits of Swedish massage

Numerous clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Swedish massage. Unfortunately, several of them have been published only in Swedish, which prevents us from taking them into consideration in the research. On the other hand, some studies published in English indicate that this type of massage could have effects on various specific affections. In addition, many studies confirm the effectiveness of massage in general to relieve various ailments. For more details, see the sheet Massage therapy.

Reduce back pain

In 2009, a systematic review evaluated the effect of massage in the treatment of lower back pain. According to the authors' conclusions, Swedish massage may be beneficial in patients with acute (4 to 12 weeks) and chronic (more than 12 weeks) back pain. Note that this type of massage would be more effective in combination with exercise or education programs.

Decrease postoperative pain and distress

A clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of Swedish massage on postoperative symptoms following laparotomy (incision of the abdomen). On the day of the operation, and during the next 2 days, 146 women received standard care, or the same care with a Swedish massage, or care and vibration therapy (low frequency sounds and vibrations ). The results show that Swedish massage would have had a slight effect on postoperative pain and distress, but would not be greater than for the other 2 interventions.

Contribute to well-being during bone marrow transplantation

In a clinical trial, the effects of 3 types of intervention were evaluated (Swedish massage, therapeutic touch and friendly visit). Participants received an average of 15 30-minute treatments. The physiological complications remained the same between the 3 groups. However, patients in the massage group were more able to rest, communicate with their family, and felt less depressed and anxious.