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Swedish Massage Therapy | Ravenswood Chiropractic

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Massage Therapy


Swedish Massage (Also Known as Wellness Massage, Relaxation Massage)

Swedish, or “classic” massage is the most commonly taught modality in US massage schools, and is the basis for many other techniques. There are four major categories of touch that are used during a Swedish massage: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, and tapotement (shaking or vibration). The therapist uses massage oil or lotion to reduce friction between their hands and your skin. Aromatherapy may also be used in conjunction with a Swedish massage. In general, the purpose of a Swedish massage is to induce relaxation, stimulate the circulation of lymph and blood, and improve joint mobility. (1,2,3)  While Swedish Massage has many specific uses, we highly recommend that it is incorporated into your stress management program.  Swedish Massage is geared toward people of all age groups




Benefits of Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish massage is generally relaxation, circulation, and improved mobility. It can help speed healing of injuries, reduce swelling, and help break down scar tissue and adhesions (2). It has been found to be effective for reducing chronic pain symptoms such as those associated with low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis (6,7,8). Researchers have investigated the effects of Swedish massage and have found that it may help reduce blood pressure and other physical signs of anxiety (4,5,7) Because of the effects of positive, nurturing touch on your health, massage therapy is often used as a wellness tool to aid in maintaining good physical and emotional health. Regular Swedish Massage may help keep your muscles supple and balanced to allow you to keep your workouts on track. (9)

What to Expect during a Swedish Massage Session

Prior to your Swedish Massage session, your therapist will gather some history about you, including any problem areas you want worked on. You may be asked to provide medical information, such as medications you are taking, as well as accidents, injuries and surgeries you may have experienced. This information aids your therapist in customizing your massage and making sure that the techniques used are safe and effective for you. Because a Swedish Massage generally is done using oil or lotion, you will be asked to undress to your level of comfort and get onto the massage table, under a sheet and/or blanket, while your therapist is out of the room. Therapists are trained to manage the drape so that only the area being massaged is exposed. A typical full-body Swedish massage takes about an hour. Your therapist will un-drape each area they work on, and then begin with lighter strokes, warming the muscles. As the muscles loosen, your therapist may use deeper pressure to work on the area. He or she will finish with light strokes, re-drape the area and then move to the next. Most full body massages include work on the face and head, neck, arms, legs, feet and back. Some therapists will work on the abdominal area, which can help with digestion as well as working abdominal muscles. It is important to your therapist that you are comfortable during your massage. They may use bolsters, pillows, towels, and eye masks to aid in making you feel comfortable. They will watch you for signs of discomfort however it is important that you let the therapist know if the pressure is at a comfortable level for you.

When is Swedish Massage Not Indicated?

Although Swedish Massage is generally safe, there are some conditions that make getting a Swedish Massage inappropriate. Swedish Massage is designed to move blood and lymph throughout the body, stretch muscles and mobilize joints. In general, if you can exercise safely, you can probably safely get a Swedish Massage.

Some conditions that interfere with fluid flow, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease may not benefit from a circulatory massage, such as Swedish Massage. Therapists should use other techniques to work with clients who have such conditions. You should also avoid Swedish Massage if you have a contagious condition, such as a cold, the flu or a skin disease such as ringworm. This is  because your body needs to work on healing from infection rather than getting bodywork. (10)

Some conditions or medications require modification of pressure or other modifications in techniques, so giving your therapist a good medical history will ensure that your Swedish Massage is done in a safe and effective manner.

Try Swedish Massage Today!

Swedish Massage is a safe and effective treatment to help reduce pain, anxiety and improve healing. It is done using lotion or oil, and its goal is to provide relaxation, improve circulation, stretch muscles, and mobilize joints. A regular massage habit can be a great tool for maintaining your emotional and physical health.

 

 

References

1. Ravald, B. The Art of Swedish Massage. 1982. The Bergh Publishing Group, Inc, USA-Switzerland-Sweden-Spain.
2. Brunner, Nora. Bodywork Sampler. Body Sense. ABMP. Autumn/Winter 2008. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/bodywork-sampler
3. Claire, Thomas. Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get and How to Make the Most of it. 1995. William Morrow and Company, New York.
4. Vanderbilt, Shirley. The Ups and Downs of Blood Pressure: The Effects of Varying Types of Massage Therapy. Massage & Bodywork magazine, February/March 2007. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/ups-and-downs-blood-pressure-effects-varying-types-massage-therapy
5. Gholami-Motlagh, F; Jouzi, M; and Soleymani, B. Comparing the effects of two Swedish massage techniques on the vital signs and anxiety of healthy women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 2015 Jul-Aug: 21(4): 402-409.
6. Nahin, R; Boineau, R; Khalsa, PS; Stussman, BJ; and Weber, WJ. Evidence-based Evaluation of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management in the United States. Author manuscript Mayo Clin Proc. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2017 September 01. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. Published in final edited form as: Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 September ; 91(9): 1292–1306.
7. Crawford, C; Boyd, C; Paat, CF; Price, A; Xenakis, L; Yang, E; Zhang, W; and the Evidence for Massage Therapy (EMT) Working Group. The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part I, Patients Experiencing Pain in the General Population. Pain Medicine 2015; 17: 1353-1375.
8. Perlman AI, Ali A, Njike VY, Hom D, Davidi A, et al. (2012) Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial. PloS ONE 7(2): e30248. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030248
9. Charet, GP. Weight Loss and Bodywork. Body Sense. Spring/Summer 2010. Accessed online on October 19, 2018. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/weight-loss-and-bodywork
10. Werner, R. Contraindications in Bodywork? Body Sense. Autumn/Winter 2004. Accessed online on October 19, 2019. https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/contraindications-bodywork



Also Related…


Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage employs slower strokes and deep finger pressure to help release tension in the body.


Sports Massage

Whether you are a serious athlete or an enthusiastic amateur, sports massage can help improve your performance and quicken your injury recovery time.


Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to expel toxins and germs from the lymph nodes and lymphatic system.


Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy massage helps to relax tired and cramping muscles as well as ease pain during labor.


Myofascial Release

The connective tissue surrounding your muscles (fascia) sometimes adhere to the muscles, reducing range of motion.  Myofascial release massage helps remedy this condition.


Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy massage is particularly useful for dealing with “knots” in tight muscles.


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    • Chiropractic
      • ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
        • Chiropractic Care for Pain Management
        • Chiropractic During Pregnancy
        • Chiropractor for Kids
        • Chiropractic for Sports and Fitness
      • CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
        • Spinal Adjustments
        • Extremity Adjustments
        • Spinal Decompression Therapy
        • Radial Shockwave Therapy
        • Selective Functional Movement Assessment
      • ABOUT CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
        • Orthotics for Sports Performance
        • Orthotics During Pregnancy
        • Orthotics for Children
    • Physical Therapy
      • Our Physical Therapy Program
      • Personal Training
      • Ultrasound
      • Electrotherapy
      • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facillitation
      • Active Release Technique
    • Acupuncture
      • What is Acupuncture
      • Traditional Chinese Medicine
      • Acupressure
      • Eastern Nutrition
      • Trigger Point Dry Needling
      • Cupping
      • Gua Sha
      • Moxibustion Therapy
      • ElectroAcupuncture
      • Auricular Acupuncture
      • Five Element Acupuncture
    • Massage Therapy
      • Swedish Massage
      • Deep Tissue Massage
      • Sports Massage
      • Lymphatic Drainage
      • Prenatal Massage
      • Myofascial Release
      • Trigger Point Massage
    • Functional Medicine
      • How Can Functional Medicine Help Me?
      • Blood Tests
      • Food Sensitivity Testing
      • Functional Medicine Detox Program
      • Heart Health
    • CONDITIONS
      • PHYSICAL MEDICINE
        • HEADACHE
        • BACK PAIN
        • NECK PAIN
        • WHIPLASH
        • HERNIATION DISC
        • SPINAL STENOSIS
        • SCIATICA
        • DISC INJURY
        • PINCHED NERVE
        • NUMBNESS AND TINGLING
        • NERVE ENTRAPMENT
        • SPRAINS / STRAINS
        • JOINT PAIN
        • ARTHRITIS
        • BURSITIS
        • TENDONITIS
      • PHYSICAL MEDICINE
        • TMJD
        • SHOULDER PAIN
        • ELBOW PAIN
        • WRIST PAIN
        • CARPAL TUNNEL
        • LEG PAIN
        • HIP + THIGH PAIN
        • KNEE PAIN
        • FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN
        • PLANTAR FASCIITIS
        • MORTON’S NEUROMA
      • INTERNAL MEDICINE
        • INSOMNIA
        • FATIGUE
        • DIGESTIVE ISSUES
        • FIBROMYALGIA
        • BRONCHITIS
        • ASTHMA
        • ALLERGIES
        • FOOD SENSITIVITIES
        • LUPUS
        • KIDNEY DISEASE
        • INCONTINENCE
        • FREQUENT URINATION
        • ECZEMA
        • SHINGLES
        • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
      • INTERNAL MEDICINE
        • DEPRESSION
        • ADDICTION
        • ANXIETY
        • STRESS
        • SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
        • PTSD + CPTSD
        • MEN’S FERTILITY
        • MEN’S HEALTH + VITALITY
        • FERTILITY WOMEN
        • PMS | PMDD
        • MENOPAUSE
        • ENDOMETRIOSIS
    • PATIENTS
      • OFFICE INFORMATION
        • SCHEDULE YOUR VISITS
        • WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR First APPOITMENT
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        • GENERAL FAQ
        • COVID MITIGATION
        • HIPPA PRIVACY POLICY
        • TELEHEALTH
        • FIND A PROVIDER
      • FINANCIAL BILLING
        • PRE-VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE
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        • FREE CONSULTATIONS
        • THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS
        • ABOUT YOUR STATEMENT
      • RESOURCES
        • HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
        • COMMUNITY RESOURCES
        • WELLNESS TIPS SIGN UP
        • BLOG
    • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT