Swedish Massage

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One of the original massage modalities, Swedish massage has many types of strokes including effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement, and compression. Effleurage is one the main strokes used, long gliding strokes assist circulation and help the body relax. Petrissage is much like kneading bread, the muscles are pulled and squeezed in order to relieve tension. Friction is best used to create heat much like the way you would rub your hands together on a cold day. Vibrating muscles is a great way to release tension. Tapotement is best described as drumming with open or closed hands on the client. Compression is simply direct pressure without any glide.

A full body Swedish massage can have a relaxing effect that can make the client fall asleep, in contrast if the client prefers deeper pressure the massage can relieve knots that have developed in the muscles.