Swedish massage, also known as relaxation massage or classic massage, is one of the most common styles of massage in the United States. It combines long strokes and kneading to help you relax and ease sore muscles, whether from sports or simply daily activities. The benefits of Swedish massage go beyond just physical relief; it can also reduce stress and help you sleep better at night. Find out more about this popular type of massage and what it can do for you.
The Basics of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a relaxation technique that focuses on kneading, stroking and friction techniques. The basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), percussive effleurage (striking/tapping) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage also includes passive stretching of muscle tissue and manipulation of joints.
If you’re new to getting massages, you may want to start with a lighter form of massage therapy, such as shiatsu or deep-tissue massage. These types of massages tend to be less intense than Swedish massages but can still help relieve stress and tension in your body. As you become more comfortable with receiving massages, you can move up to a more relaxing style like a Swedish massage.
Many people enjoy receiving regular massages for their overall health benefits. Some of these benefits include improved circulation, reduced pain levels, increased serotonin production and better sleep quality.
How To Choose A Great Massage Therapist
Finding a great massage therapist is similar to choosing a good doctor. If you have a terrible experience, you’re going to stop going—no matter how good it may be for your health in general. A massage that leaves you sore or feeling worse instead of better may even dissuade you from seeking these treatments again.
To choose a great massage therapist, ask friends and family for recommendations, search online reviews from people who share similar physical conditions with you, or contact your local massage school. Find someone with a private practice (usually found through word-of-mouth referrals) that specializes in Swedish massage. That way, you are sure to get an effective Swedish massage from a professional massage therapist.
Benefits of Regular Swedish Massages
Like all massage, Swedish massage can promote relaxation. More specifically, it can help relieve tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. However, there are many other benefits to regular Swedish massages that may not be immediately apparent but will come into play down the line. Many of these perks don’t even require you to visit a professional therapist but if you have a favorite massage therapist, feel free to spread out your visits over a longer period for added benefits.
Some Of The Benefits:
Improved Circulation
Your heart is one of your body’s biggest muscle groups, and when blood flow is restricted or blocked by swelling or plaque buildup, you can experience chest pain or discomfort. A Swedish massage can help improve circulation throughout your body by relaxing tense muscles and boosting blood flow. If done regularly, it could also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Decreased Stress Levels
When your body feels stressed, it produces a hormone called cortisol that helps prepare you for fight-or-flight mode—but if that stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels remain elevated in your bloodstream. This can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia and weight gain. Swedish massage can help ease tension, which in turn can reduce your overall stress level.
Improved Sleep Quality
If you’re getting enough sleep but still wake up feeling tired or unrested, try scheduling some extra me time with a Swedish massage before bedtime. Not only can it help ease muscle tension to promote better rest, but it can also help boost your body’s production of melatonin—the hormone that regulates your internal clock and helps you get a good night’s sleep.
Better Skin Tone
When you experience muscle tension in certain areas of your body, blood flow is restricted to those muscles—which means less blood flow reaches other parts of your body like your skin. A Swedish massage can help relax your muscles and boost circulation, which in turn can lead to healthier-looking skin.
Low Risk For Disease
If you’re already dealing with a disease or chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important that you see a doctor regularly for check-ups. However, suppose you schedule regular Swedish massages as part of your self-care routine. In that case, it could help lower your risk of developing these conditions in the first place by improving circulation and reducing stress levels.
How To Get Swedish Massage in Your Area
Swedish massage is an increasingly popular choice for stress relief, relaxation, and overall health improvement. Get professional Swedish massage service today at Music City Massage.