SwedishMassageDemonstration.wmv

Swedish massage is the most common massage in the western world. It is comprised of four basic types of strokes. They are effleurage, petrissage, friction, and percussion.

Effleurage is the lightest pressure. The strokes are long, slow and smooth. This type of stroke is usually used at the start of the massage and again at the end. This stroke can be circular or straight. When going straight, especially at the finish of each body part the stroke is always towards the heart. This is what distinguishes Swedish from other types of massage. It is to assist the venous blood flow returning to the heart.

Petrissage is performed with medium pressure. It consists of kneading, pulling, and wringing. Great for breaking up lesions and preparing the muscles for the deeper friction work. It is used on the larger muscle groups and can go in the direction of the muscles, across muscle fibers, or an isolated muscle.

Friction is used for deep tissue massage. It can be performed with fingers, the thumbs, heal of the hand, or elbow. The strokes are slow and purposeful. These strokes can go in the direction of the muscles with a deep stripping technique or across fiber with deep cross friction. In each case, the stroke is very slow. This deep tissue work is very effective for locating lesions, trigger points, and hidden tension. Always prepare the body with lighter strokes before applying deep tissue techniques.

Percussion belongs in it own unique category. Unlike other strokes, its movements are more stimulating than relaxing. This involves hacking, cupping, shaking, and tapotement. These strokes can be performed at different speeds and different depths. Percussion is best performed on large muscle groups such as the upper back, hamstring, or quadriceps. Percussion on the upper back area is a great way to assist breaking up bronchial congestion in the chest.

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• swedish massage
• swedish massage demonstration
• swedish massage techniques
• effleurage
• petrissage
• friction
• percussion