Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage – What Is It?
Its creator was Pehr Henrik Ling, a Stockholm physiotherapist, psychotherapist and fencing master in the 19th century. He was the first to combine massage and gymnastics, thus creating Swedish massage. Swedish massage is based on a powerful, kneading technology. It relaxes the muscles, moves unused muscles, preventing their atrophy. This type of massage is specifically limited to the body, like most European massage types. Despite this, its stress-relieving effect is effective. It is like therapeutic massage, with the exception that the entire body surface is moved, while therapeutic massage is specifically aimed at painful areas. During Swedish massage, the patient also actively participates in the procedure, in the form of specific gymnastics exercises. Massage oils or waxes and, in the case of oily skin, powder or cornstarch may be used.
Application
Swedish massage can help with:
- muscle stiffness
- musculoskeletal problems
- joint problems
- spinal problem
- rheumatic diseases
- respiratory problems
- muscle spasms and strains
- it improves blood circulation, therefore the treatment may also be recommended in case of heart failure and circulatory problems
- may assist with sleep disorders
- severe stress
Swedish massage is not suitable for all conditions and a doctor’s recommendation may be required. It does not replace medical treatment; it is usually used as a complementary treatment.