Swedish massage: Everything you need to know about

Professional massages that aid in relaxation and treat aches and pains are on the whole, something that we could all do with on a regular basis. Most professional therapists begin with the regular body massage also known as Swedish massage and then build on stronger styles such as Deep Tissue.

Swedish is the most popular type of massage in the world, with millions of people receiving this kind of massage each year.  This technique was first pioneered in Sweden and is now widely used around the world. It’s easy to see why this technique has proven so popular; it offers numerous benefits which you will discover here. Also, find out how our Swedish massage at Giana isn’t like any other; we’ll help you experience what makes us unique!

What to expect from Swedish massage

Swedish massage aims to relax the entire body. It uses a variety of techniques to manipulate the soft tissue of different muscle groups around the body, releasing any built-up tension in the muscles. The therapist will work on one area of the body before moving onto the next. To begin with, the therapist will apply massage oil to lubricate and use gentle strokes and then follow this up with a variety of firmer massage strokes to ease and release tension in the muscles.

Health Benefits of Swedish massage

• Pain management

A lot of us find our bodies aching when we start work for the day. The reason? We’ve been lying in bed in awkward positions and any wrong movement has caused muscles to tense up and joints to stiffen, causing pain and discomfort. For many years, we’ve always sought what we thought was an instantaneous cure for this problem: popping a pill which would provide total relief from pain. But there are other natural methods you can try besides popping pills. Swedish massage is widely known to be one of the best means of dealing with pain points, especially involving related areas such as muscles, ligaments, nerves or tendons. Your therapist will use movements specifically targeted at your body’s major pain points so that circulation improves naturally while local tightness goes down the drain.It also helps soothe any releases and soothes any trapped nerves that may be causing pain in certain areas especially legs and lower back.

• Decreased Stress & Increased Relaxation

Many of us live on-the-go lifestyles that are both short on time and long on stress. This makes it easy to fall into unhealthy body habits like increased muscle tightness or pain, or unchecked worrying or anxiety. Swedish massage, which clears the mind of stressful mental habits by calming the nervous system and relaxing tense muscles, is the perfect health support for anyone who over-strains themselves.

• Increased Flexibility & Range of Motion

Swedish massage is a combination of relaxing rhythmic movements and pressure-applied techniques. It can provide stretching and relief, as well as increase flexibility and range of motion. Swedish massages along with stretching can melt away tension and promote deep relaxation!

• Increased Overall Energy

If you’re feeling a little under the weather and dreading going to work, just schedule a Swedish massage because the increase in circulation and decrease in stress will give you a surge of energy that you need to stay productive at work! This would be beneficial without question.

• Improved Posture

Although there are many causes for postural imbalances, Swedish massage is the perfect way to relieve the muscles that have become tense due to overworking, overcompensating, prolonged sitting, or because of some type of injury. It’s a method of relieving pain and stiffness by working on the patient’s soft tissue through slow strokes, kneading, stretching and tapping. Regular Swedish massage can also help correct/improve postural faults such as hypnosis, sclerosis etc.

• Increased Blood Flow

Swedish massage therapy improves blood flow to organs, muscles, energy sources and tissues. And good circulation brings tense, sore muscles the oxygen rich blood they need to heal. 

• Endorphin Release to Improve Mood

Swedish massage is a popular and humble form of relaxation therapy and treatment for stress and anxiety. It’s so gratifying to experience the rejuvenating effects it has on mind and body! Research shows that serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain increase after a Swedish massage, leading to heightened mood and feelings of well-being.

• Supports Healthy Immunity

Your mental and physical health should work towards a common goal of being at your best. When you have muscle tension from any source, it can affect the way you think as well as how you feel physically. In turn, if you are under stress from things outside ‘you’ this can be manifested in the muscles like back pain for instance. A Swedish massage encourages relaxation and a decrease in muscle tension which helps to ensure your immune system is operating optimally; especially important during times of increased demand on this system having gone through increased exhaustion or stress.

• Improved Sleep

If you’re feeling tired and drained, schedule an appointment for a massage (especially one that specializes in traditional Swedish massage). It’s quite possible you’ll find the experience rejuvenating. According to some studies, massaging can increase serotonin levels in your body, thereby making you feel calmer and more at ease mentally, which will lead to more sound sleep.

• Relieves Headaches

Some people don’t realize this, but migraines and even headaches can be caused by stress and lack of physical activity. Swedish massages release the tension in your body along with improving circulation, which may decrease the frequency of a headache or migraine.

Swedish massage and Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, don’t be afraid to ask for a Swedish massage since it is actually very safe and recommended for expecting moms-to-be who are in their second or third trimester. Your massage therapist will make sure you’re comfy (whether by placing you in a supine position or by having you lie on your side) and apply light pressure as your body dictates during your relaxing session.

Giana Swedish massage

“The Giana Swedish Massage Therapy Treatment” is a service that uses a set of techniques to help your body become more flexible and relax more quickly after you stop moving around. A variety of strokes, including long gliding(effleurage) techniques and pressure-point manipulation methods, help warm up the muscle tissue and release muscle knots and adhesions.

A good massage therapist will be able to determine which areas of your body require some extra care and then apply direct or indirect pressure there. The massage can help increase blood flow and thus improve your flexibility as well as break up those nagging knots on the surface of your muscles faster than if they were left on their own. Furthermore, getting massaged regularly can improve posture as well as circulation throughout the body.

Try your first Swedish massage 

Massages have the power to change your everyday life. Swedish massages, in particular, which are a type of bodywork therapy, can help you stay healthy and relaxed whilst also alleviating unnecessary stress and improving your general wellbeing. You should treat it as a necessity for your body’s health. If you live in Kent, United Kingdom, contact the professionals at Giana In-home Massage Spa today to find out more about how this form of massage can help alleviate pain that is getting in the way of your everyday life!