Techniques and processes used to give Swedish body massage.
A massage is the touching, soothing and adjusting of the soft tissues of the body. Usually performed as physical therapy or for relaxation and stress relief, a massage can adjust a person's attitude, outlook, speed healing, relieve pain from injuries or simply relieve muscular tension.
A Swedish massage, the most popular massage technique given by professional massage therapists, encompasses five basic methods of massaging the soft tissues. These methods include effleurage (gliding strokes with the entire hand), petrissage (kneading with the entire hard), friction (circular pressures with the palms of the hands), vibration (shaking or vibration of the body), and percussion (brisk tapping). These methods usually follow in order but a combination of these strokes, with emphasize on the method that eases the muscles concerned, will result in a successful massage and a relaxed client.
Take a few minutes before any massage to get to know the client. It will be very beneficial for all parties concerned. A brief medical history is recommended to understand the client's physical condition, their lifestyle and stress level, and the results they hope to obtain. Maintain a comfortable level with the client by speaking softly, allowing them to voice their concerns, stress body areas that are particularly sore or tight, and have them decide on a lotion, oil or scent that they find pleasing. Explain what you will and will not be doing for the session and express that discomfort shouldn't be tolerated - if something hurts, the client should speak up. Maintain this friendly but professional level by allowing the client to disrobe, obviously in private, to their comfort level.
Though your unique massage method will develop with confidence and understanding, this is a basic Swedish massage technique to begin learning. Start on the back, neck and shoulders of a client while keeping coverage and warmth to the remaining areas. Begin with a light effleurage; gliding, light strokes to spread lotion, analyze the muscle tensions and increase circulation. Fan fingers and tree-branch, or follow, a muscle. Increase the pressure and curl your fingers to knuckle especially tight or large muscles. Begin petrissage by kneading or picking up muscles away from the underlying structure. Create a "c" with your hand, opening and closing the fingertips to alleviate sore and tight knots. As the muscles loosen and warm up, apply direct pressure friction followed by circular friction by pressing and then rubbing with the palm of your hand. Follow the length of the muscle by making smaller circular motions as the muscle reaches a tendon. Use fine vibrating and tapping with your fingertips to help maintain the muscles relaxed condition. Be cautious with tapping as it can quickly become irritating instead of the intended relaxation method. Finish the area with a light effleurage before moving on to another location.
Remember to keep the client's unmassaged areas covered and warm. Try to keep a hand on the body at all times and slowly move from one area to another to alert the client and not startle them.
To further enhance the massage experience, no matter what type is given, the massage room should typically be warm to accommodate the client's bare skin. A room softly lit with soothing music will further maintain a relaxed atmosphere; and incense or scented candles can intensify the mood. Use caution, however, with powerful scents or perfumes to avoid aggravating sensitive clients or those with allergies. Finish the massage with cool water to restore and cleanse toxins released from the massage.
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