Swedish

Massage

Presented by: Rely Emmanuel Flores

 OBJECTIVES

ü What is Swedish Massage?

ü Who, When and Where was it founded?
ü How It Works?
ü What are the Benefits of Massage?
ü Research & General Acceptance
 What is Swedish Massage?

- 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.
-The person to be


massaged lies on a
massage table and is
draped with a towel or
sheet. It is a full-body
massage treatment,
except in areas that are
contraindicated.
Aromatic, unscented oil
or lotion is used to
facilitate the massage
movements. Each
session last 30-60
minutes. Depending on
the client’s preferences.
Per-Henrik


Ling (1776-
1839), Father
of Swedish
gymnastics



Who is Per-Henrik Ling?

1776, a Swedish medical-gymnastic practitioner, credited

with the developing of the techniques of Swedish
Massage
1790’s, suffered from rheumatism but restored his bodily
health thru daily disciplines of fencing and gymnastics
Medical Gymnastics, defined as gymnastics applied to the
treatment of disease, consist of active, duplicated and
passive movements which later became known as
Swedish Movement System.
1813, he finally receives support from the Swedish
government, the Royal Gymnastic Institute was opened
for the training of gymnastic instructors.


 5 Basic Techniques
1. Effleurage – most common stroke, free-flowing and


gliding towards the heart, tracing the points of the body

using the palm of one or both hands; oil is applied with
this stroke to begin the first stage of massage, apply light
or medium constant pressure; used to warm-up the
muscles, relax the body, calm the nerves, improve blood
circulation and heart function – improves lymphatic
drainage.
 5 Basic Techniques
 2. Petrissage – resembles kneading dough; involves
lifting, rolling and squeezing the flesh under or
between the hands. Designed to release muscle
tension, improve blood flow and increase lymphatic
drainage.



 5 Basic Techniques

3. Friction – works on deeper muscles, a pressure
stroke; the MT applies pressure by placing the
weight of his/her body on the flat of the hand and the
pads of the thumbs, knuckles, fingers, or the back of
the forearms and then releases the pressure slowly
and gently. Movement should be continuous sliding
motion or a group of alternating circular motions.
 5 Basic Techniques
 4. Vibration – MT gently shakes or trembles the flesh
with the hand or fingertips, then moves on to
another spot and repeats this stroke; Designed to
release muscle tension in small muscle areas, such
as those on the face or along the spine.
 5 Basic Techniques
5. Tapotement (Tapping or Percussion) – a quick choppy


rhythmic movement that has a stimulating or toning

effect. Cupping, hacking and pummeling are variations.



Preparations
1.Massage Surface: Professional Massage Table or any firm
but well-padded surface.
2.A clean sheet to cover the part of the body that is not
massaged.
3.Cushions: Essential, to prevent lower back pain. May be
placed under the head and knees.
4.Oils: Base oil should be a vegetable oil, cold pressed,
unrefined, and free of additives; these contain
nutrients, vitamins and minerals in addition to fatty
acids. They do not clog the pores. Add essential oils
for therapeutic effect and should be warmed in the
hands before applied to the client’s skin
Precautions (Should not be given to patients w/
the following physical conditions)
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Fever
Broken bones, fractures, dislocations or severe
sprains
Contagious diseases
Open or unhealed sores or wounds
Body areas that are inflamed, swollen or bruised
Varicose veins
Recent surgery
Severe pain, jaundice, frostbite, kidney disease

Some more precautions...
Large hernias
Haemorrhaging
Torn ligaments, tendons or muscles
High blood pressure or heart problems
Certain kinds of cancer
History of phlebitis or thrombosis (patients may have
blood clots that may become dislodged & travel to
the lungs, w/ potentially fatal results.)
Drug treatment w/ blood thinners (medications
increase the risk of bleeding under the skin.)

Side Effects
A.Intense Massage – may increase the
risk of injury to the body.
B.Vigorous Massage – muscle pain,
such injuries as bleeding in the liver
or other vital organs and the
dislodgement of blood clots.
 Who should consider Swedish Massage?

üStressed people and anyone can benefit from

Swedish Massage; especially those who have
muscle soreness and poor circulation
üIf you experience back pains or sore muscles
üIf you’re a person who likes more pressure during
massage, Swedish Massage may not be right for
you
üCheck in, fill out paperwork, and be pampered

$65.00 for 55 minutes

ü
-
Benefits of Swedish Massage
 Improves and increases blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid
(Lymph)
 Improves lymphatic drainage
 Improves breathing, assist the flow of nutrients & oxygen to tissues
 Lowers the heart & pulse rate
 Detoxify the body systems
 Assist weight loss
 Promotes nourishment, repairs and renewal of skin
 Soothes and relax nerves
 Relieves stress / release emotional tension
 Relieves pain in certain conditions
 Relax mind and body deeply
 Gives pleasure
 Creates a feeling of well-being
Research & General Acceptance
Gains acceptance from the medical community as a
complementary treatment
Studies have shown that massage can relax the body,
decrease blood pressure, heart rate, reduce stress and
depression.
Provides symptomatic relief for many chronic diseases
Many doctors now prescribe massage therapy as
symptomatic treatment for headache, facial pain,
carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and chronic and
acute conditions, stress and athletic injuries.
Many insurance companies reimburse patients for
prescribed massage therapy
As of 2000, Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for this
form of alternative treatment
Training & Certification
58 training programs and counting accredited by the
Commission for Massage Therapy
Accreditation/Approval in the USA
Provide a minimum of 500 hours of massage training.
Certified therapist have graduated & passed the national
certification examination
They are also required to participate in continuing
education programs to keep their skills current.
Several national associations for MT in the US, including
AMTA & the National Association of Nurse Massage
Therapist, contact these organizations for referral to
local certified therapist
Resources/Books/Periodicals/Organizations
Beck, Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage 4th ed.
Claire, Bodywork: What type of Massage to Get and, How
to Make the Most of it.
Trotter, “Hepatic Hematoma after Deep Tissue Massage”
American Massage Therapy Association,
http://www.amtamassage.org
National Association of Nurse Massage Therapist
National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and
Bodywork
 -END-


Until next time…
Thank you so
much!