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

Keiser University

With an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Keiser University, you will be prepared to assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents and motions, to interview clients and witnesses, manage cases, gather evidence, and process litigations.

Associate.
Massage Therapy, AS.
Florida.

Keystone Technical Institute

Associate, Diploma.
Professional Massage Therapy Specialist, Professional Massage Therapist.
Pennsylvania.

Milan Institute of Cosmetology

The Milan Institute has a unique curriculum that combines Eastern, Western, and ancient techniques with the latest innovations. With these skills and your own self-assurance, you can be successful in spas and at sporting venues, in doctor's offices, specialized massage clinics, or even in hospitals!

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
California.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Therapeutic Massage is a combination of science and art. This includes the science of the human anatomy and physiology, as well as the technique of professional touch. The art of professional touch that involves stroking, percussion and other techniques requires a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the human body.

Certificate.
Therapeutic Massage.
Pennsylvania.

Hands-On Medical Massage School

Certificate, Associate.
Professional Massage Therapy, Medical Massage Therapy.
California.