Swedish Massage Therapy
Known as a “classic massage” in many countries, the Swedish massage is the best known and most widely practiced type of massage therapy. There are a variety of techniques used in Swedish massage including circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, light tapping, and more.
A Swedish massage is designed to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles in long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But the benefits of Swedish massage go beyond relaxation. It can help increase the level of oxygen in the blood and improve circulation and flexibility.
Benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy
1. Pain management
If you have a condition like arthritis and are suffering from chronic pain as a result, Swedish massage can be an effective method for managing that pain in a natural way. Talk to your massage therapist about your pain points so he or she can target those areas and use a motion to improve local circulation and reduce muscle tension.
2. Decreased Stress & Increased Relaxation
Many of us live demanding lives, both overscheduled and over-worked. Stress can manifest in the body with increased muscle tension and sometimes pain. Stress can also manifest in the mind with increased worry or anxiety. Swedish Massages help to clear the body and mind of unwanted responses to stress by calming the nervous system and relaxing muscular tension.
3. Increases Flexibility & Range of Motion
Swedish Massage can elongate the muscles, open and lubricate the joints and decrease swelling, all of which can ease movement and increase flexibility. By incorporating stretching techniques, Swedish style massages can also increase a more fluid range of motion.
4. Increases Overall Energy
Increased circulation and decreased stress can lead to a general boost of energy.
5. Improve Posture
While postural imbalances have many sources, including overworked muscles due to repetitive strain, overcompensating muscles to ease stress on overworked muscles, prolonged sitting, or injury, Swedish Massage helps to ease the muscular holding that underlies postural imbalance.
6. Increase Blood Flow
Massage therapy can dilate the blood vessels and widens the membrane pores, improving your body’s ability to deliver fresh blood to muscles and organs.
7. Endorphin Release to Improve Mood
Research shows increased serotonin and dopamine in massage recipients, improving their mood and feeling of emotional well-being.
8. Support Healthy Immunity
When it comes to overall health, it is important to take a holistic approach. Increased physical pain can also increase mental stress and an increase in stress from environmental factors can manifest in the muscles. In addition, any stress can lead to an immune deficiency. Because Swedish Massage encourages relaxation and a decrease in body tension, it supports a healthy immune system.
9. Improve Sleep
Studies show that getting a massage increases serotonin levels in the body, so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
10. Relieve Headaches
Many headaches or migraines are a result of stress and/or poor circulation. Swedish Massage relieves the stress associated with tension headaches and improves circulation.
The significant benefits of Swedish Massage make it clear that a regular massage regimen is more than a luxury, but indeed an important ingredient in the cultivation of physical and emotional well-being. Maybe you just want a “relaxation” massage. But know, that in your relaxation, you are also taking care of both your body and mind in fundamental yet important ways.
What’s the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?
Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both popular types of massage therapy. While there are some similarities, they are different from each other.
The differences are:
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The pressure
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Technique
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Intended use
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Areas of focus
If you’re looking for relaxation and relief from tense, tight muscles, Swedish massage is probably right for you. If you’re recovering from an injury, deep tissue massage can be a helpful part of your treatment plan.
Contact Us Today
Massages by Anna Bass LMT. Certified for many different massages and treatments. Specializing in Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage.
To schedule an appointment with Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist and Health Coach Anna Bass LMT, please call 412-328-4540 or Book a Massage Here.
Providing massage services to patients in Tampa, Brandon and Riverview, FL.