Swedish Massage

The manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (i.e. the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and facia) using the hands in a gentle, flowing massage technique.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (i.e. the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and facia) using the hands in a gentle, flowing massage technique. There are 5 basic massage techniques which make up the treatment, they are effleurage, petrissage, frictions, vibrations and tapotement.

The techniques use varying degrees of pressure and stretching movements. It is most commonly used for easing muscular tension and stress as well as relaxation and improving health and well-being.

A treatment has the capacity to improve circulation, increase oxygen, and aid in the detoxification process. It aids the detoxification process by ensuring waste materials are quickly eliminated from the lymphatic system and this boosts the self-healing mechanisms of the body.

What happens during a Swedish Massage?

Step 1 – Arrival & Consultation

A typical body massage session lasts for about one hour, treating specific areas such as backs, shoulders and necks or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains.

The environment is important to the massage. The room will be warm and peaceful with careful consideration given to the lighting, soft music and essential oils diffused to add to the experience.

On the first visit clients complete a consultation, where they are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).

The client is asked to undress ensuring their modesty is protected, at which point the therapist will leave the room and the client will be asked to lie on the treatment couch under a large towel. During the session, the therapist will use the towel to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or area will be massaged without the client’s permission.

Step 2 – The Treatment

Neal’s Yard Massage oils, as well as lotions, creams and talc can be used; oil is the most commonly used medium. There are a variety of base oils available as well as Neal’s Yard essential oils which will be blended with the base oil. The choice of the essential oil will depend upon the objective of the massage. So if the massage is for relaxation purposes a ‘Calming’ pre blended essential oil will be used.

A good oil will nourish the skin and allow a free-flowing movement as it enables the hands to glide over the area. The oil will be applied to the area to be massaged ensuring good coverage. The therapist will begin the techniques by starting with the effleurage(stroking) technique to warm up the muscles before any pressure is applied. The therapist applies long, smooth strokes over the body, using firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, increase flexibility and encourage relaxation.

The therapist will be able to feel where the tension areas are and adapt the treatment accordingly by using various techniques to reduce the adhesions or tension knots that are present in the muscles.

Step 3 – Finishing Up & Aftercare

The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client about the depth of their pressure ensuring that it does not cause pain, an effective massage should not cause pain. If in discomfort or pain, the client should feel free to ask the therapist to modify their treatment.

The therapist will finish the treatment and quietly check that the client is comfortable and offer a glass of water. The client will be asked to take their time getting up and the therapist will leave the room whilst the client gets dressed. On the therapist re-entering the room the client and therapist will discuss how the treatment went and the therapist will give after-care advice.

Who should get a Swedish Massage treatment?

Anyone with muscular aches and tension

Anyone with stress and anxiety related conditions

Anyone with osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis

Anyone with stiffness in joints and musculoskeletal conditions

Anyone wishing to detox

Why should you get a Swedish Massage treatment?

People are very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. We recommend Swedish massage for the ailments listed below.

Swedish massage can:

– Alleviate stress and aid relaxation 
– Ease muscle tension, stiffness, reduce muscle spasm 
– Improve joint flexibility 
– Aids deeper and easier breathing 
– Improves circulation 
– Reduces blood pressure 
– Strengthens immune system 
– Supports rehabilitation 
– Encourages peace of mind 
– Encourages peace of mind 
– Promotes deep relaxation

Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that massage can be effective in helping to treat certain chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia and low back pain. In guidelines produced in 2009 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), manual therapies – including massage – are recommended for the early management of persistent, non-specific low back pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Swedish Massage help with back ache?

A: Yes it is a great complementary treatment, people with chronic or life-limiting conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, mental health problems (i.e. mild depression and anxiety) weight problems, musculoskeletal problems, or a history of substance misuse (including alcohol and drugs), can be greatly supported using complementary therapies alongside conventional care.

Q: Does Swedish Massage hurt?

A: No Swedish massage should not hurt, the pressure can be adapted as people’s sensitivity to touch is different. If the client should feel discomfort then they can feedback to the therapist who will adjust the pressure.

Q: Is Swedish Massage relaxing?

A: Yes the pressure can be adapted and the treatment can be used as a form of relaxation, it can help to reduce blood pressure and help others cope with emotional and mental problems.

Book Now

To book a Swedish Massage call 07816 485 691 or book online below: