Swedish massage

View Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses.

When most people think of massage it is Swedish massage that they picture. It is the basic Western form of massage, pioneered by a Swedish doctor. In Sweden itself it is known as "classic massage". For most massage practitioners Swedish massage is the key skill that they learn and then they may add additional skills such as aromatherapy or hot stones after that. The basic techniques of Swedish massage are the most familiar massage strokes.

As a client going to receive a Swedish massage you can expect the opportunity to find deep relaxation as well as the relief of many joint and muscular aches and pains. Everyone is unique in their body's requirements and this includes the strength of stroke which you may prefer. This is something which your practitioner will discuss with you before beginning, to establish how light a touch you prefer. This is also important if you do suffer from any degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis.

Treatments normally last for thirty or sixty minutes and take place in a quiet, private room on top of a massage couch. You will be given the opportunity to undress and lie down in privacy. The practitioner may play gentle acoustic music or burn incense or aromatic candles to enhance the mood of relaxation.

There are five main strokes to Swedish massage and these are performed in a long, flowing motion which is both relaxing and effective in addressing many chronic health problems. Effleurage comes from the French for "to skim" and is a light stroke used to warm up muscles at the start of a Swedish massage. Practitioners use their finger pads or palms.

Petrissage follows on from effleurage and means "kneading". It is a much deeper touch used to reach muscles at a more profound level. It can involve kneading, skin rolling, and other deep movements such as making a scissor motion with the hands. Palms of the hands, fingers, thumbs, and even knuckles may be used to tackle knots and areas of tension.

Friction is also used. It is the deepest of all the Swedish massage strokes. Deep, circular movements are applied to rub layers of tissue together in a way which can help to eradicate any scar tissue.

Shaking or vibrating the client's body is a way of relieving areas which are tense. The final classic stroke is called "tapotement" and is the French for tapping. The fingers or a cupped hand is used to stimulate areas of lymphatic build-up in the body.

These strokes were all named by Johann Mezger, a Dutch practitioner, but Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, a nineteenth-century Swedish doctor and gymnastics teacher. Ling suffered from rheumatism and joint injuries and perfected a set of exercises and the massage regime in order to alleviate these problems. He was greatly influenced by a Chinese friend named Ming who introduced him to tuina (a form of massage involving the treatment of acupuncture points) and to martial arts, which influenced the development of his massage techniques.

Swedish massage can be used for relaxation, the relief of aches, pains, and tensions, and it has also been found to be extremely beneficial in tackling many joint problems and osteoarthritis as well as circulatory conditions. Strokes can be as gentle or vigorous as appropriate and as suit the client to provide a health-giving workout. One treatment can be beneficial but for the best results a course of treatments is usually recommended.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Brown Mackie College

Certificate: Upon completion of the Paralegal Assistant certificate program, students will be well prepared to work under the supervision of an attorney in entry-level positions for legal offices and firms. The program focuses on teaching the students how to perform legal research and writing for various areas of law. This objective is achieved via legal, business, and technical coursework.

Associate: The Paralegal associate' s degree program was designed with the purpose of preparing students for working, with the supervision of an attorney, in entry-level positions and performing general background work for the legal firm. The goal of the program is to train students for the many responsibilities a paralegal must take on in their job role.

Associate.
Associate of Science in Health & Therapeutic Massage.
Indiana.

Kaplan College

Massage Therapy: Diploma

More people are relying on massage therapy to provide them stress relief or to prevent health complications, to offer techniques for relaxation by lessening symptoms of their illnesses, and for fitness programs. Now that the health care industry has turned to massage therapists for alternative treatment, more jobs are opening up for massage therapists.

Associate of Applied Science in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

The techniques of massage therapy have been recommended by a number of physicians for years. Massage therapy today is accepted as a viable means of reducing stress, treating painful ailments, rehabilitating sports injuries, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, and promoting overall general health and well-being.

Clinical Massage Therapy Certificate

Kaplan College's Clinical Massage Therapy Certificate program covers several types of massage, including Swedish, sports, and chair. It also covers anatomy and physiology, the ethics of massage practice, and more.

Diploma, Associate.
Diploma: Clinical Massage Therapy, Diploma: Massage Therapy, Associate of Applied Science: Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Indiana, California.

Medical Careers Institute

The program focuses on the medical and rehabilitative effects of massage while conferring an understanding of the art and science of massage therapy. Sound business practices are taught, which prepares students for success in the workplace. The curriculum integrates clinical experience with hands-on work, and students get to know about the care given to patients in different stages of health.

Associate.
Massage Therapy - Associate.
Virginia, North Carolina.

Hesser College

Massage Therapy:Diploma

This massage therapy program will teach you the vital knowledge and skills to take a New Hampshire state approved written exam and state practical licensing exam, if applicable.

Diploma.
Diploma: Massage Therapy.
New Hampshire.

Everest University

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
Florida.