Massage therapy is quite simply defined as the scientific manipulation of the body’s soft tissue by moving it and applying controlled pressure over focus areas. The purpose is to normalize the tissues to relax them and relieve pain. There is a vast range of massage modalities each with its approach and objectives.
Some massages are meant to induce relaxation while others help improve flexibility and prevent sports injuries. Swedish relaxation massages in Suffolk are meant to help the client feel completely relaxed after the session. Also known as the classic massage technique it offers various benefits for individuals of all ages and muscular issues. Let’s discuss what is involved.
What is a Swedish Massage?
The Swedish massage modality involves the application of slow, repetitive, and rhythmic motions to help decrease tension in the muscles and improve blood circulation. The massage therapist uses various techniques to stimulate the body to help it produce endogenous opioids that help block pain receptors bringing about a calming effect on the muscles and mind.
The Swedish Massage was developed back in Sweden during the 1600s by Per Henrik Ling. He was a physical education teacher who is known as the “father of Swedish Massage”. He created the technique to help treat soldiers who have been through warfare.
How is it Different from other Types of massages?
The primary trait which differentiates the Swedish Massage Technique from other more intense massage types like the hot stone massage or deep tissue massage is the amount of pressure applied to the body. During the session, the massage therapist implements long gliding strokes in the direction of the blood flow. This will help reduce the amount of stress in the body while also boosting the relaxing effects. If an individual prefers a more gentle approach when attending a massage, they should opt for the Swedish massage.
Top Benefits Associated with the Swedish Massage
Swedish massages offer several benefits, some of which includes the following :-
Decrease in anxiety
Enhanced quality of sleep
Lower blood pressure
Reduced fatigue
The Swedish massage enables the individual to feel relaxed and rejuvenated without causing too much strain on the muscles. Otherwise, they may end up getting sore.
What is the Swedish Massage meant for?
Almost any individual who wishes to feel completely relaxed can opt for a Swedish massage. If they wish to have their level of stress reduced without undergoing too intense pressure, then the Swedish massage is the ideal choice. Some of its well-known benefits include better quality sleep and a significant anxiety reduction. It is also ideal for individuals who suffer from chronic pain as the Swedish massage helps produce natural opioids in the body.
What does a full-body Swedish Massage Include?
The full body Swedish massage is the most common form of massage therapy people opt for today. Most people who have yet to experience a massage would envision a basic form of massage that resembles the techniques followed during a Swedish massage.
This form of massage therapy includes long but soft strokes of kneading to help release tension from the deepest tissue of the muscles. The therapist also applies tapping and rhythmic strokes to help release surface-level tension from the muscles. All these techniques are applied in combination to help relax joint movement, energizing and healing them to become more flexible.
How is the massage performed?
The Swedish massage is typically started with effleurage strokes. This form of smooth gliding strokes helps soften the tissue. This is followed up with petrissage strokes which involve rolling, squeezing, and kneading.
Friction strokes are applied when the therapist needs to heal scar tissue or heal injuries. Friction strokes
require deep circular movements to rub one layer of tissue against another. Tapotement strokes help with rapid recovery after exercises. This type of stroke is characterized by alternating short ta movements. This short tap is performed by the edge of the hand, fingers and cupped hands.
The significance of decreasing muscle toxins
Tackling the buildup of muscular toxins is specifically applied in the case of athletes who are undergoing intense training sessions preparing for a competitive event. When the muscles are being pushed too far, they start producing lactic acid which is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is the primary cause of a condition known as DOMS (Delayed-onset muscle soreness) which can make the host exhibit symptoms of the flu.
If an individual has too much lactic acid built up in their muscles they are likely to experience too much muscle soreness, lethargy, pain due to inflammation, muscular weakness, and various other symptoms. Such symptoms can begin to show 12 to 24 hours after a rigorous training session and can last up to three days. The Swedish massage helps an individual’s lymphatic system to flush out the intramuscular toxins enabling the athlete to stay on course for their training.
Conclusion
It may not always be necessary for an athlete or an individual to go for a full upper body massage in Cambridgeshire. The Swedish massage is very flexible and the therapist can focus its techniques on specific parts of the body which need attention.
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