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Swedish Massage
Therapy
Swedish
massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by
flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other
metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing
heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping
them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the
skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at
the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical,
and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.
It also has many specific medical uses.
Swedish
Massage Techniques
Swedish
massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction,
tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking
motions. The usually sequence of techniques are:
- Effleurage:
Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
- Petrissage:
Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
- Friction:
Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or
fingers
- Vibration:
Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
- Percussion:
Brisk hacking or tapping
- Passive
and active movements: Bending and stretching
Swedish
Massage
Therapy | 
