The Backbone of Most Massage Modalities
Swedish massage is the most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage. Swedish massage techniques vary from light to vigorous. Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (gliding or sliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping or beating), friction and transverse friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has been clinically shown to help reduce pain, joint stiffness, and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of at least eight weeks. Many other massage modalities build off the basic strokes of Swedish massage and it is not uncommon for Swedish massage to be integrated into most massage sessions, regardless of the massages intended purpose, i.e. relaxation, sport massage, deep tissue.
Often Per Henrik Ling is credited as the father of Swedish massage. It was the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger who applied the French terms to name the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. Everywhere else (amazingly, including Sweden) the Swedish massage style is referred to as "classic massage".
The Top 5 Swedish Massage Therapy Techniques
MASSAGE STROKES IN SWEDISH MASSAGE
Effleurage
The effleurage strokes include long gliding strokes that go from the neck down to the base of the spine and/or from the shoulder to the finger tips. All of these strokes should always go towards the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. These long strokes are done to the entire body (limbs, back, etc.) The masseur or massage therapist will use his or her whole hand or thumb pads to do this stroke, it is sure to relax anyone.
Petrissage
The Petrissage massage stroke goes deeper, and is meant to gently lift muscles up and away from the bone. Then the muscles are gently rolled and squeezed. The kneading and compression motions are to stimulate circulation deep in the muscles. By increasing the circulation this stroke helps clear out toxins from the muscles and nerve tissue.
Friction
The friction massage stroke in Swedish massage therapy is the deepest penetrating stroke. The masseur or massage therapist will make deep circular and/or transverse movements with their thumb pads or fingertips. This stroke is used near joints and other bony areas such as the side of your spine. When a muscle heals the muscle fibers bond together causing knots (also called adhesions). The friction from this stroke breaks down the adhesions, thus reliving pain and improving the flexibility of your muscles and joints.
Tapotement
The tapotement strokes are better know to ordinary people as the karate chop, since you use your hands to alternately strike or tap the muscles for an invigorating effect. There are variations to this stroke, though the variations are just how your hand is when you strike: Open or closed fist, with the side of the hand or fingertips. It is a good stroke to use on tense, spasming or cramping muscles. Shaking or vibration stroke is not really a stroke, but that is what they call it.
Vibration / Shaking
Masseurs or massage therapists press their hands on a spot they want to massage and start shaking with pressure for a few seconds. The shaking stimulates blood flow, this makes it good for spasming and tense muscles like the tapotement stroke. It is mainly used on people that suffer lower-back pain. It is very important to remember that when giving (or getting) a Swedish massage the strokes should always go towards the heart, if you do not you will not get the full benefits of the massage.