Swedish Massage

If you’ve had just one massage in your life, chances are it was a Swedish. By far the most popular choice at spas, Swedish massage is a gentle technique that eases pain and encourages relaxation. It was the first therapeutic massage style developed in the Western world and is the basis for many other massage techniques. Swedish massage is recommended for first-time patrons because it’s mild yet effective. Read on for more information about this popular style.

How it’s done

Swedish massage combines five different kinds of touch to release tense muscles and calm the body; these touches are light contact, long strokes, rhythmic tapping, kneading motions, and compression. These different touches are used all over the body in varying sequences. All five motions are shallow--they don’t work deep into the soft tissue--but effective because of repetition. Usually, a massage therapist will use oil to facilitate movement; sometimes, this massage oil is scented. If you get a Swedish massage, you will need to be mostly nude, but you can leave your underwear on if it makes you feel more comfortable. Your therapist will bring you into a private room for a consultation about you preferences; she’ll ask you how much pressure you like, which aroma pleases you, and whether you have any allergies or health issues. Then, she’ll leave the room as you undress and slip under a sheet on the table. You will lie on your stomach for the duration of the massage, and most of your body will be covered by a sheet at all times. Only the part of your body being worked on will be exposed. When the massage ends, your therapist will leave the room so you can get dressed in private.

Swedish massage history

Swedish massage was developed by Pehr Henrick Ling, a Swedish physiologist, in the early 1800s. Ling discovered that he could ease his joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis with regular pushing and pulling of the muscles. He developed a system of exercises he called gymnastics to elaborate on his touch-healing techniques. After Lind’s death, one of his pupils, Johan Georg Mezer, put together an abbreviated version of his exercises that became known as the “Swedish massage.” The therapeutic technique grew in popularity, spawning multiple other massage styles over the years.

Who should get a Swedish massage?

Swedish massage is suitable for any person who wants a relaxing spa experience. It’s also recommended for people with chronic pain, tension headaches, poor circulation, and problems with anxiety. Swedish massage is the gentlest of massage styles, so it’s perfect for people who want to benefit from the therapy without pain or soreness afterward. First-time massage patrons should schedule a Swedish treatment for an introduction to massage therapy.

Where can I get a Swedish massage?

Swedish massage is available at all spa facilities, including day spas, resort spas, hotel spas, and destination spas. Most of these places should list Swedish treatments on their menus of services. If you can’t find a Swedish treatment on the list, be sure to ask the spa concierge about it; the spa may call a Swedish massage something else, like “signature massage therapy.” Even if Swedish massage isn’t offered, almost any spa should be able to provide you with this treatment. It’s the basis of most other therapeutic massage styles, so therapists should know how to administer it. You can find Swedish massage at non-spa facilities as well. Since it is the most popular therapy around, most massages offered at gyms and health clubs will of the Swedish variety. Nowadays, it’s becoming popular to offer massages in chairs at grocery stores and malls too. These treatments often follow Swedish massage principals, although they aren’t true representations of the therapy because they are usually very brief. Some massage therapists work out of their homes or travel to clients houses to give treatments. Swedish massage is always one of the styles offered in these situations too.

How much will it cost?

As a basic treatment, Swedish massage will be one of the least expensive massage treatments available. But that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Expect to pay at least $75 for a one-hour session at a reputable day spa. Massages at posh hotel spas could cost as much as $200 per hour. If you can find a traveling masseur or a therapist who sets up shop in her home, you might pay less.

Take-away tips

Swedish massage is ideal for newcomers to the massage world. It’s gentle enough to be relaxing but still very effective at easing pain and releasing tension There are a variety of health benefits to a Swedish massage; it can improve circulation, reduce anxiety, help low self esteem, ease pain, and even improve the immune system. Swedish massage is readily available at all spa facilities; if a spa offers only one kind of massage, it will be a Swedish.