Swedish Massage Technique

Swedish massage technique is probably the most commonly practiced massage therapy in the Western hemisphere. Swedish massage consists of six major types of techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement, and swedish gymnastics.

Effleurage is gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs, or fingertips. Effleurage can be light or deep. The purpose is to relax muscles and improve circulation.

Petrissage is kneading movements with the hands, thumbs, or fingers. The purpose is to

Stretch and broaden muscle fibers and stimulate muscle tone
Break up adhesions
Increase circulation and waste elimination
Move interstitial fluid

Friction can be direct pressure, linear, circular, or cross fiber. The important distinction of friction is that the massage therapist does not slide over the skin--the intention is to move over the underlying muscle.

Direct pressure friction is a compression that spreads tissue, creates temporary ischemia, and mobilizes muscle/tendon junction.

Linear or circular friction releases and separates adhered fascia or muscle fibers and broadens and stretches muscle fibers.

Cross fiber friction is applied at right angles to scar/fibrotic tissue to break up adhesions and assist in realigning scar tissue.

Vibration consists of oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body. Fine vibration is a relaxing technique that sedates nervous system to reduce pain and relax muscles. Coarse vibration is a penetrating jostling or shaking that increases synovial activity, increases circulation, stimulates organs, and reduces muscle guarding.

Tapotement is percussion movements such as brisk hacking or tapping. The purpose of this Swedish technique is to

Stimulate tired muscles and the nervous system
Relax tight muscles
Enhance muscle tone via contract-relax response
Increase circulation
Stimulate skin and glandular activity

Swedish gymnastics are passive and active movements, including bending and stretching, designed to stretch muscles and ligaments, loosen adhesions, and increase range of motion and flexibility.

To learn more, see the Essentials of Swedish Massage Technique DVD.

Swedish Massage Video

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