A Swedish Massage is what most people think of when considering a massage and is the most common form of bodywork offered. Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, developed this type of massage in 1812 at the University of Stockholm. Traditional Swedish Massage employs six basic strokes, with numerous variations, to affect specific muscles and joints, relieve pain, increase mobility, and enhance relaxation:

Effleurage consists of long, gliding strokes on each part of the body to spread the massage oil or lotion the therapist is using and to warm up the muscles of client’s body for more specific work. When done on the extremities, these strokes are toward the heart to follow the natural path of circulation and lymphatic flow. Effleurage is done with the palm of the hand, an open fist, or the forearm of the herapist.

Petrissage involves lifting muscles away from the bone, then rolling, squeezing, and compressing them with a gentle, but firm, pressure. It is similar to kneading dough when making bread. This massage stroke enhances deeper circulation and begins the process of flushing out any toxins accumulated in muscle and nerve tissues.

Friction is the most vigorous of the strokes and consists of transverse (across the line of muscle fibers), linear (along the line of muscle fibers), or circular movements. Friction can be applied using light or deep pressure. Light friction is usually done at a fast tempo and aids in hyperemia (increasing the flow of blood, characterized by a noticeable reddening of the skin). Deeper friction is done at a slower speed and helps to break down adhesions (knots that result when muscle fibers bind together) and scar tissue. This stroke can be done using the palms of the hands, closed fists, the pads of the thumbs, or knuckles.

Tapotement, also called percussion, is a series of briskly applied striking movements to the muscles for a stimulating effect. There are several variations on this stroke. It may be applied with the edge of the hand (hacking), the tips of the fingers (tapping), a flattened hand (slapping), a curved or cupped hand (cupping), or with a closed fist (beating). This stroke is effective in releasing tension from muscles that are cramping or in spasm.

Vibration entails the rapid shaking of a muscle or a group of muscles by the therapist. This can be done by pressing the hands on the muscle or by gently grasping a muscle in the palm of the hand and shaking for a few seconds. This boosts circulation and increases the muscles ability to relax.

Nerve stroke is a very light, feather-like stroke used on each body part after all the other strokes have been completed. This is done by using only the tips of the fingers and is very soothing to the nerve endings that have just been worked over.

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