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Courtney Downey LMT, BCTMB, RYT-500
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Swedish Massage

3/5/2015

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Although some of my clients have been seeing massage therapists for years, there are still quite a few who are new to massage. The most common question that a massage therapist may ask their client is what type of pressure they like. Each type pf massage can have varying pressure and strokes. My advice as a therapist is to always communicate with your therapist. If you don't like the way your therapist is doing something or if you feel they are using too much/little pressure, let them know so that they can alter what they are doing to make you more comfortable. Remember they want to help you feel better. 

To give clients, old and new, a broader understanding of each of the different modalities of massage I will be posting a little bit of information about each every few days. Below is a description about Swedish massage:

The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. This is the basis of all Western forms of massage treatment. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it can speed up recovery time after an injury. Most commonly, the pressure's used for a Swedish massage would be considered light to medium.

The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

  • Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke towards the heart used to relax soft tissue
  • Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
  • Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
  • Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand

This massage will alleviate stiffness and fatigue as well as improve circulation. Swedish Massage is a general whole body massage using oils on the skin to facilitate treatment . It is a wonderful massage for everyone, but especially for those with:
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Depression
  • Digestive disorders
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Joint pain, sprains or stiffness
  • Lower back pain
  • Muscle tension and strains
  • Postural imbalance
  • Scoliosis
  • Skin conditions
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress
  • Sciatica
  • Water retention


Enjoy a Swedish massage today! :)
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    Courtney Downey, LMT, BCTMB
    Massage Therapist

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