What is Swedish Massage Therapy?

Swedish massage is a form of massage therapy that focuses on relaxation and releasing generalized muscle tension in your shoulders, back, and neck. 

 

Swedish massage therapy uses gentle pressure that stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation by manipulating your soft tissue using:

• Kneading strokes

• Circular strokes

• Long strokes 

• Passive joint movements

 

Swedish massage is one of the most popular types of relaxation massage therapy. 

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What are the benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy offers many benefits to your general health and wellness. Swedish massage provides benefits associated with relaxation and release of muscle tension, including:

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• Lower blood pressure 

• Less anxiety and depression

• Less joint and muscle pain 

• Improved sleep 

• Improved mobility 

• Better stress management 

• Relieved neck, shoulder, and back pain

 

Swedish massage therapy can also help relieve tension and improve symptoms of some chronic diseases, including high blood pressure. 

 

How does Swedish massage Therapy work?

All forms of massage therapy involve manipulating soft and connective tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapy stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation using different methods and techniques.

 

When blood and lymphatic fluids flood the tissues with oxygen, mood-altering hormones, nutrients, and immune-boosting cells, your muscles respond by relaxing and initiating the repair process. 

 

Swedish massage strokes focus light pressure on the surface layers of your muscles, which releases hormones like dopamine and serotonin, relaxing your body and improving your mood. 

 

The positive effects of Swedish massage therapy can increase when it is combined with other alternative holistic treatments such as herbal supplements, traditional acupuncture, and cosmetic acupuncture.

 

What can I expect with Swedish massage therapy?

Before beginning your Swedish massage session, your massage therapist meets with you to determine your needs and goals for your massage. They may ask if you have any tender areas or places they should avoid.

 

You get undressed to your comfort level in private, so you may remove your underwear or keep them on. You cover with a sheet before your massage therapist returns, and they uncover only the area they are working on at the time. 

 

Depending on your needs, your massage therapist may use lotions or oils and may have you change from lying your stomach to lying on your back or vice versa. After your session concludes, they allow you private time to get dressed. 

 

For relaxing Swedish massage therapy, call AIM Health or book an appointment online today.