When most people in the United States think of massage, they are probably thinking about Swedish massage. It can be described as a classic full body therapeutic massage. The primary goals of Swedish massage are to increase circulation and promote relaxation. The amount of pressure applied is usually light to medium.
While Swedish massage at home can help to work out a few minor kinks, for someone looking for stronger pressure and focus on specific types of problems or major knots, a deep tissue massage is probably a better option. People who are very muscular or overweight may find more satisfaction in a deep tissue massage as well.
When we perform a Swedish massage at home, our client is lying on a professional massage table, undressed to their comfort level (usually at least down to underwear in order for the therapist to apply classic techniques without obstruction) but properly draped/covered to protect privacy at all times. Professional grade massage oil, lotion or cream is used to perform the massage.
There are five primary techniques used in the performance of a Swedish massage at home: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, and tapotement. Effleurage and petrissage are the most common techniques utilized by most massage therapists, and the most recognized by those who have ever received a Swedish massage. These are the long flowing or gliding strokes (effleurage) and kneading (petrissage).
Tapotement is the percussive technique where the therapist uses a cupping or hacking technique. This is a great way to finish a massage – it’s a little stimulating and helps to wake up the body so we can get off the table and on with our day. (Don’t hesitate to request it from your therapist if they do not do it on their own! However, if they have bad rhythm, they may not be as good as a talented bongo player!).
If you’d like to book a Swedish massage at home, do not hesitate to contact us and we will gladly arrange that for you!