Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type
of massage in the United States. Among the benefits shared by other massage modalities, Swedish massage is famous for inducing
deep relaxation and calm.
Swedish massage therapists use firm but gentle pressure and various stroke techniques
on the muscles from effleurage (long, gliding strokes), tapping or percussion (rhythmic drumming), vibration, friction (compression
or circular/linear/cross fiber friction), and petrissage (kneading or rolling skin). Swedish massage strokes are the
basis for many other types of massage such as deep tissue, sports, hot stone and pre-natal massage.
