SWEDISH MASSAGE FACTFILE

Massage therapy relieves pain from injuries, stress and muscular tension through the manipulation of soft tissues of the body.  Massage treatment enables the body’s recovery and healing process from some acute and chronic conditions.  Additionally it enhances lymph and blood circulation, supplying fresh oxygen and nutrients to the recovering tissues as well as flushing out the body’s toxins.

The techniques of Swedish massage are the most universally recognized massage therapy throughout the world.  This therapeutic massage is acknowledged for its ability to improve muscle tone and enhance the body’s circulation, whilst affecting the body’s overall ability to relax and minimize tension within muscles.  A certified therapist will understand the techniques applied in Swedish massage and how to maximize their benefits regarding any injury or condition, which a client may hold.  Techniques utilized within therapeutic massage influence and manipulate soft tissues, incorporate the use of the elbows, forearms and hands, with the five basic strokes all fluidly moving towards the heart.

The benefits experienced from Swedish massage, are broad and range from visible sensations such as the skin and body feeling refreshed and revived, due to the release of toxins from muscles and tissues as the oxygen is boosted in the blood.  Furthermore the cleansing effect, of Swedish massage on the build up of metabolic waste, such as lactic and uric acid enhances the body’s recovery rate from muscular strain.

IS SWEDISH MASSAGE THE RIGHT THERAPY FOR YOU?

Swedish Massage may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:

Sessions typically last between 45 minutes and 1 hour although you should expect the first session to be longer as your therapist will ask you about your medical history along with other relevant health and lifestyle details. They will also examine your body for any muscular imbalances.  From this feedback the therapist can then put together a profile for you and tailor your massage to suit. The massage may begin with a series of strokes that wide-ranging and fluid which encourages the body and nervous system to enter a tranquil and relaxed state.  The therapist heightens the pressure of your massage on certain areas of your body to alleviate areas that they find holding muscular tension.  The use of lotions or light oils by the therapist permits muscles to be massaged smoothly, whilst also hydrating the skin.

The stroke patterns utilized within Swedish massage include drumming motions on fleshy parts of the body (tapotement), quick shaking movements (vibration), circular and small pressured movements (friction), slow, fluid strokes (effleurage) and pressing, rolling and kneading of muscles, termed as petrissage.  To encourage blood circulation and support the removal of bodily toxins, all strokes within the massage are applied towards the direction of the heart.

Following the treatment you may experience a sense of raised energy levels or you may feel slower in movement or a heightened productivity, which can last for a few days.  The therapist will advise you to drink plenty of water afterwards as it will aid the toxins which have been released to be cleared from the body.

FINDING A QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST

Most people find Swedish Massage Therapy deeply relaxing and enjoy the tension it releases throughout the body.  It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified therapist.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the Massage Association of New Zealand (MNZ).  Swedish Massage Therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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