There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you walk out of a massage therapy session: it’s as though you are a brand-new person! The pains have subsided, your mind is clearer, and your senses are heightened.
According to surveys completed between July 2018 ad July 2019, around 21% of American adults had a massage at least once during that period. And it’s no wonder, given that there are numerous benefits to massage and various methods available.
If you’re considering a Swedish Massage, here are a few things you need to know.
The Origins Of Swedish Massage
It might surprise you to know what Swedish massage didn’t originate in Sweden. Although a Swedish fencing instructor by the name of Per Henrik Ling has been attributed as the inventor of the massage, it was, in fact, a Dutch man named Johan Georg Mezger. Ling reportedly cured himself of elbow injuries by using percussion strokes on those areas, something he called the Swedish Movement System. According to records though, it was Mezger who produced developed a massage technique, similar to Ling’s Movement, that others could use. Both methods of massage included five particular movements and strokes:
- Vibration – fast muscle shaking
- Friction – rubbing
- Petrissage – kneading and squeezing muscles
- Tapotement – fast tapping
- Effleurage – long strokes
Physical Benefits Of Swedish Massage
If you’re after a massage that makes you fall asleep, you’re in the wrong place. Swedish massage is designed to help you relax mentally, but it also digs deep to assist with muscle aches and pains. Benefits include loosening of tight muscles and joints, stretching connective tissues, improving range of motion and increasing strength of muscles, stimulating blood circulation and firming up muscle and skin tone, as well as relieving cramps and muscle spasms.
Mental Benefits Of Swedish Massage
Although most of us don’t go to get a massage for their mental health, we should. Swedish massage is great for assisting with the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. It can also lower irritation levels, provide mental relaxation and allows your brain to rest, improves sleep and your ability to concentrate, and provides a generally improved sense of well-being and happiness.
Conditions Swedish Massage Treats
Swedish massage can help to relieve symptoms of arthritis, carpal tunnel, chronic pain, headache and asthma. It can also assist with mental health issues as mentioned above, along with sciatica, inflammatory conditions, dislocation, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, fractures, MS, Autoimmune Rheumatic Disorders, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sprains and strains, osteoporosis, contusions, and much more.
The Science Is In
Swedish Massage is also backed by science. There was a study completed by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine that found people who received a Swedish Massage had reduced levels of stress – with a significant decrease in cortisol levels, and an increase of white blood cells.
Swedish Massage is about manipulation (the good kind) and if you’re feeling any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned above, it’s worth booking in for a session. Get in touch today.