Benefits of Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish massage is generally relaxation, circulation, and improved mobility. It can help speed healing of injuries, reduce swelling, and help break down scar tissue and adhesions (2). It has been found to be effective for reducing chronic pain symptoms such as those associated with low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis (6,7,8). Researchers have investigated the effects of Swedish massage and have found that it may help reduce blood pressure and other physical signs of anxiety (4,5,7) Because of the effects of positive, nurturing touch on your health, massage therapy is often used as a wellness tool to aid in maintaining good physical and emotional health. Regular Swedish Massage may help keep your muscles supple and balanced to allow you to keep your workouts on track. (9)

What to Expect during a Swedish Massage Session

Prior to your Swedish Massage session, your therapist will gather some history about you, including any problem areas you want worked on. You may be asked to provide medical information, such as medications you are taking, as well as accidents, injuries and surgeries you may have experienced. This information aids your therapist in customizing your massage and making sure that the techniques used are safe and effective for you. Because a Swedish Massage generally is done using oil or lotion, you will be asked to undress to your level of comfort and get onto the massage table, under a sheet and/or blanket, while your therapist is out of the room. Therapists are trained to manage the drape so that only the area being massaged is exposed. A typical full-body Swedish massage takes about an hour. Your therapist will un-drape each area they work on, and then begin with lighter strokes, warming the muscles. As the muscles loosen, your therapist may use deeper pressure to work on the area. He or she will finish with light strokes, re-drape the area and then move to the next. Most full body massages include work on the face and head, neck, arms, legs, feet and back. Some therapists will work on the abdominal area, which can help with digestion as well as working abdominal muscles. It is important to your therapist that you are comfortable during your massage. They may use bolsters, pillows, towels, and eye masks to aid in making you feel comfortable. They will watch you for signs of discomfort however it is important that you let the therapist know if the pressure is at a comfortable level for you.

When is Swedish Massage Not Indicated?

Although Swedish Massage is generally safe, there are some conditions that make getting a Swedish Massage inappropriate. Swedish Massage is designed to move blood and lymph throughout the body, stretch muscles and mobilize joints. In general, if you can exercise safely, you can probably safely get a Swedish Massage.

Some conditions that interfere with fluid flow, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease may not benefit from a circulatory massage, such as Swedish Massage. Therapists should use other techniques to work with clients who have such conditions. You should also avoid Swedish Massage if you have a contagious condition, such as a cold, the flu or a skin disease such as ringworm. This is  because your body needs to work on healing from infection rather than getting bodywork. (10)

Some conditions or medications require modification of pressure or other modifications in techniques, so giving your therapist a good medical history will ensure that your Swedish Massage is done in a safe and effective manner.

Try Swedish Massage Today!

Swedish Massage is a safe and effective treatment to help reduce pain, anxiety and improve healing. It is done using lotion or oil, and its goal is to provide relaxation, improve circulation, stretch muscles, and mobilize joints. A regular massage habit can be a great tool for maintaining your emotional and physical health.

 

 

References

1. Ravald, B. The Art of Swedish Massage. 1982. The Bergh Publishing Group, Inc, USA-Switzerland-Sweden-Spain.
2. Brunner, Nora. Bodywork Sampler. Body Sense. ABMP. Autumn/Winter 2008. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/bodywork-sampler
3. Claire, Thomas. Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get and How to Make the Most of it. 1995. William Morrow and Company, New York.
4. Vanderbilt, Shirley. The Ups and Downs of Blood Pressure: The Effects of Varying Types of Massage Therapy. Massage & Bodywork magazine, February/March 2007. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/ups-and-downs-blood-pressure-effects-varying-types-massage-therapy
5. Gholami-Motlagh, F; Jouzi, M; and Soleymani, B. Comparing the effects of two Swedish massage techniques on the vital signs and anxiety of healthy women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 2015 Jul-Aug: 21(4): 402-409.
6. Nahin, R; Boineau, R; Khalsa, PS; Stussman, BJ; and Weber, WJ. Evidence-based Evaluation of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management in the United States. Author manuscript Mayo Clin Proc. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2017 September 01. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. Published in final edited form as: Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 September ; 91(9): 1292–1306.
7. Crawford, C; Boyd, C; Paat, CF; Price, A; Xenakis, L; Yang, E; Zhang, W; and the Evidence for Massage Therapy (EMT) Working Group. The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part I, Patients Experiencing Pain in the General Population. Pain Medicine 2015; 17: 1353-1375.
8. Perlman AI, Ali A, Njike VY, Hom D, Davidi A, et al. (2012) Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial. PloS ONE 7(2): e30248. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030248
9. Charet, GP. Weight Loss and Bodywork. Body Sense. Spring/Summer 2010. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/weight-loss-and-bodywork
10. Werner, R. Contraindications in Bodywork? Body Sense. Autumn/Winter 2004. Accessed online on October 19, 2019. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/contraindications-bodywork