Swedish massage techniques can help not only relieve physical stress but also emotional stress and can have other medical and therapeutic uses.  In this short post we will discuss some of the most common strokes of Swedish massage, including: effleurage, friction, petrissage, tapotement and vibration.

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 5 common stroke techniques of Swedish massage:

Effleurage
Effleurage is the most superficial stroke in Swedish massage. It is a long gliding stroke and is most commonly used as the opening stroke in massage to apply the lubricant and assess the body’s tissue while warming the muscles and skin. It deeply soothes and relaxes the mind and body by stimulating the nervous system, connects you to the receiver and is also used to close the massage. It can be applied to all areas of the body with open palms, soft fists or forearms using varied pressure and speed.  Source: Examiner

Friction
Friction includes deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue. Source: webMD

Petrissage
Petrissage is kneading; manipulates fleshy areas of the body, stroke applied with various movements such as grasping, lifting, compressing, rolling, and kneading also includes chucking and rolling; pressure is firm and directed toward the center of the body; main purpose. Source: Quizlet

Tapotement
The first three letters in tapotement are a clue to the type of movement used in this stroke.
With rapid and repeated “tapping” strikes (made with a very loose fist or cupped hand) tapotement movements are done for short durations and usually to more fleshy parts of the body, like the back.  Tapotement is performed toward the end of a Swedish massage, working best on muscles that are already relaxed. Tapotement is one of the best Swedish massage strokes for revitalizing tired muscles and can even loosen mucus in the lungs for those recovering from colds. Source: MassageEnvy

Vibration
To effect vibration, the massage therapist gently shakes or trembles the flesh with the hand or fingertips, then moves on to another spot and repeats this stroke. Vibration is designed to release muscle tension in small muscle areas, such as those on the face or along the spine. Source: Encyclopedia

Contact us today to book your Swedish massage and enjoy all of the benefits from these techniques!

Contact:
Signature Mobile Spa
19505 68 A Avenue Surrey, BC
V4N 6K3
Phone: 604-377-5177