What is a Swedish massage?
Swedish massage, also sometimes referred to as ‘classic’ massage, is a whole-body treatment that involves a therapist using their hands to manipulate your soft tissues and muscles. This is the foundation on which many other types of massage are built in Western cultures.
The overall goal of Swedish massage is to help you feel more relaxed, in both body and mind. Many people find massage relaxing, and some research suggests massage therapy may offer short-term benefits for certain types of pain and stress-related symptoms.
The pressure used should feel comfortable for you, and you can tell your therapist if you'd like them to adjust it. Generally speaking, Swedish massage uses a lighter touch than deep tissue massage and sports massage. This will depend on your therapist, what you like and why you’re seeking massage.
A typical Swedish massage lasts around 50-60 minutes for a full-body treatment. This usually includes your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, and may also include your head. Your massage therapist will use oils to help their hands glide on your skin better, and these may include aromatherapy oils.
What is the difference between a Swedish massage and a massage?
“Massage” is a broad term covering many different approaches, while Swedish massage is a specific type of massage with its own commonly used techniques. If you're unsure what type of massage a therapist offers, ask them what to expect before booking.
Techniques used in Swedish massage
Swedish massages use various techniques, including effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration.
Effleurage
This technique is often used at the beginning and the end of massages. Using circular and gliding strokes, effleurage can help ‘warm up’ the muscles at the start of a session, and soothe them at the end. Depending on what you’ve asked for, your massage therapist may use feather stroking (using a light touch), superficial effleurage (a medium touch), or a deeper effleurage (a deep touch).
Petrissage
Petrissage refers to a kneading technique that goes deeper than effleurage. Your massage therapist will use kneading, rolling, pulling and wringing motions to compress your muscles and soft tissues.
Friction
Using thumbs and fingers, friction is a technique often used on joints and smaller surface areas. Your massage therapist will rub the area in a circular or linear motion.
Tapotement
This technique refers to tapping and drumming motions.
Vibration
Vibration is a type of shaking motion, where your massage therapist uses their hands to ‘shake’ certain areas.
What does a Swedish massage do?
Swedish massage is commonly used to encourage relaxation and ease muscle tension. Research into massage therapy suggests it may provide short-term relief for some types of pain and may help some people feel less stressed or anxious, although the evidence varies depending on the condition and type of massage.
Is a Swedish massage right for me?
If you're looking for a relaxing form of massage or would like to ease muscle tension, Swedish massage may be an option to explore. Some people also choose to have a massage simply because they find the experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Massage is sometimes seen as a luxury, but it can also be something people choose to include as part of their self-care routine. Whether Swedish massage is right for you will depend on what you're looking for and your individual circumstances.
What can I expect from my first Swedish massage?
If you’ve never had a massage before, a Swedish massage can be a gentle introduction. You can visit a massage clinic or have a mobile massage therapist come to you at home. At your massage appointment, you will likely be asked to fill out a short form (or do this as a consultation directly with your massage therapist). Here you can tell your therapist about any medical conditions you have and any areas you’d like them to focus on during your massage. You should also tell your massage therapist if you are pregnant.
Next, you will be taken to a room where you’ll have your massage (if visiting a clinic). Here, your massage therapist will explain what clothing you may need to remove and give you privacy to get ready for the treatment. Some clinics offer disposable underwear, but you are also welcome to keep your own underwear on if that makes you feel more comfortable. Your massage therapist will only expose the part of the body they are working on during the massage.
As your massage starts, your therapist may check in with you about how firm you’d like the pressure to be, so you can dictate how deep the massage is. If you feel uncomfortable or in pain at any time, let your therapist know so they can adjust the pressure. Your massage therapist may have music playing; you can ask them to turn it off if you prefer, but many enjoy the relaxing effects.
Once the massage is done, you will be left to get dressed again (as your skin may have residual oil on it, it can be wise to wear clothes you can easily pop in the wash). Your massage therapist may advise you on what to expect after your massage and discuss whether further sessions may be suitable.
Is Swedish massage safe during pregnancy?
Massage may be suitable during pregnancy, but it's important to tell your massage therapist that you're pregnant before treatment. They can discuss whether massage is appropriate for you and adapt the position, pressure and techniques used. Look for a therapist who is appropriately trained and experienced in pregnancy massage, as this style of massage can be adapted for pregnant people, and speak to your midwife or healthcare professional if you have any concerns about whether massage is suitable for you.
How to find a Swedish massage therapist
If you’re ready to try Swedish massage, you can find a Swedish massage therapist using our search tool. Here you can specify whether you want an at-home massage or to visit a clinic. You can search by location, browse our massage therapists’ profiles and get in touch with those you resonate with to arrange an appointment.
Disclaimer: At Therapy Directory, we verify that massage practitioners have qualifications and insurance, or membership of a professional body, associated with massage only. We encourage you to check that they have the specialised skills required to offer Swedish massage specifically.
