Swedish Massage

Massage combined with active and passive exercise. These techniques were developed in Sweden by Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) Swedish Massage is best known for it’s relaxing and even flow. There are several descriptions of massage movements such as Effleurage, Petrissage, and Tapotemant.

Tapotemant or percussion manipulations as they are also known, cover several different massage strokes that are charactorized b y various parts of the hand striking the tissue’s at a fairly rapid rate. The hands usually work alternatly, and the wrists are kept flexible so that the movements are light, springy and stimulating. I n the majority of the cases these strokes aim to stimulate the tissues, either by direct mechanical means or by reflex action. There are four distinct strokes; clapping, beating, hacking, and pounding.

Petrissage or pressure manipulations, covers several different massage strokes that are characterized by firm pressure applied to the tissues. In the majority of the cases, these strokes aim to mobilize deep muscle tissue or the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The four distinct types of strokes are; kneading, picking up, wringing, and skin rolling.

Effleurage is a slow, stroking movement performed with increasing pressure in the direction of flow in the direction of the veins and the lymph vessels. Whenever possible, the stroke finishes, with a definate pause, in a group of superficial lymph glands. The most soothing of the Swedish strokes and often used to start most massage’s.