Swedish Massage

The term "Swedish massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing ​in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. These movements warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle "knots" or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Techniques used are five styles of strokes including effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling.