Swedish Massage is the most common type or modality within the practice of Massage Therapy.  Considered the most basic of all Massage methods, it is what most Massage Therapy Schools begin their curriculum with.  Known also as Therapeutic Massage, Relaxation Massage, Traditional Massage or throughout Europe as Classic Massage, it is the type of Massage popularly portrayed in Movies and Television, showing blissful scenes of contented people covered with a sheet or towel, having oil or lotion rubbed into their aching muscles at Spas, Salons, Hotels, and Health Clubs by a Professional Swedish Massage Therapist.

The Oils and Lotions are used to diminish friction between the Swedish Massage Therapist’s Hands and the recipients skin, allowing for a soothing connection that helps to penetrate deep into the Muscles and Connective Tissues.  Combined with the six fundamental techniques of Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration, Percussion, and Passive/Active Movements, the Swedish Massage Therapist orchestrates these techniques into a flowing session that facilitates both Physical and Mental Relaxation.

• Effleurage:  a smooth, gliding movement applied in alignment with the structure of the Muscle Fibers.
• Petrissage:  a calm, kneading movement applied to stretch, lift and separate the Muscle Fibers.
• Friction:  a gentle, quicker movement applied across the structure of the Muscle Fibers.
• Vibration: a brisk, oscillating movement applied to stir the Muscle Fibers and Connective Tissue.
• Percussion: a vigorous tapping, cupping, or hacking movement applied to stimulate and decongest an area.
• Passive/Active Movements: a manipulation of the limbs and a stretching of the Muscles done with and without the recipients’ participation. 

What To Expect During Your Swedish Massage Treatment

Before your Swedish Massage Treatment begins, we discuss your personal needs and what you would like to focus on during your session. Your treatment will take place in a quiet, private room with the lighting low and relaxing music playing in the background.  I step out of the room while you disrobe (down to your underwear if you prefer) and get under a warm, soft, cotton flannel sheet, with only the areas that are being worked uncovered.  Using oil heated to 98 degrees that I craft myself with organic, cold pressed coconut oil as a base and various essential oils added for additional therapeutic benefits, your muscles and connective tissue are massaged with a pressure that is pleasant and comfortable.  After your session, I step out of the room while you get dressed, and we conclude by discussing our observations during the treatment.