Swedish Massage
Moore Massage Stittsville
Traditional Swedish massage was introduced by Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 1812. This massage technique is characterized by its firm, yet calming pressure that improves blood circulation, eases muscle tension, and improves flexibility.
Today, a Western-style Swedish massage still employs a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading of the muscles, and vibrational taps that are so common when one thinks of massage.
A Swedish masseuse will also create friction and do what is called hacking or tapping across a clients back and shoulders to promote the release of tension. Five basic strokes - gliding, kneading, vibrations, friction and hacking are all applied in the direction of the heart in order to encourage blood circulation and the disposal of bodily waste.
A Swedish massage therapist will always use massage oils to achieve the smooth, long and deep strokes over their client's body. During a Swedish massage a sheet is worn, otherwise the client is nude, to their level of comfort. Body parts are only uncovered when they are being massaged.
Sports Massage is a direct descendant of Swedish massage because both techniques help heal injuries like muscle sprain and spasms. Many of the techniques of sports massage such as strokes applied in the direction of the heart are borrowed from Swedish massage. This technique is just as important for athletes as it is for relaxation - the body is encouraged to disperse lactic acids in the muscles in order to make room for a fresh supply of blood and oxygen.
Our registered massage therapists at Moore Massage Therapy in Stittsville use swedish massage as their "base" technique. The massage therapists have many other techniques beyond the basic massage to create therapeutic effect. Call Moore Massage Therapy in Stittsville at 613 831 8374 to learn more about our therapists or read through the client education tabs of www.mooremassage.ca