The Fundamental Stroke of Swedish Massage

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The Fundamental Stroke of Swedish Massage

• By Myo Therapy College

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Amid the popularity of Swedish massage globally,
many are still heedless that the famous massage
is compose of 5 unique and distinguishing
strokes. Though it may be the last thing youll
ever worry about when having a relaxing massage
treatment, recognizing each stroke is still
significant if you want to achieve a quality
massage experience.

• 1. Effleurage
• From a French word meaning to skim or to
  touch lightly on, effleurage uses gentle and
  stroking movement usually done at the start and
  before the session culminates. Its movements are
  long, sweeping and circular, performed to warm up
  the area before deep tissue work.

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• 2. Petrissage
• This stroke is likely one of the most familiar
  strokes we know. Knead, pick-up-and squeeze,
• roll, are the words that can best describe
  petrissage. The rolling andpressing movements
  help relax muscles and improve circulation to the
  area.

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• 3. Friction
• Friction, from the French word meaning to
  rub, uses a more direct pressure to help relieve
  pain and sore muscles. It separates and realigns
  muscle fibers with the use of thumbs, fingertips,
  heel of hands or a mixture to easy away soreness.

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• 4. Tapotement
• A rhythmic and short-duration technique,
  performed generally to more fleshy areas of the
  body such as the back. Tapotement includes 5
  different types namely, beating, slapping,
  hacking, tapping, and cupping, working best on
  already relaxed muscles. It is considered as one
  of the best method of Swedish massage that helps
  rejuvenate weary muscles and can even assist in
  loosening build up mucus in the lungs for easy
  expectoration.

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• 5. Vibration
• This massage technique includes quick shaking,
  usually ranges between 5-20 seconds over a
  specific area with the use of heel or side of the
  hands or fingers. Vibration is commonly the final
  stroke of Swedish massage, which touch aids in
  soothing irritated nerves and consequently
  develop a sense of revitalization.

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