What is Swedish Massage?

The go to treatment for relaxation!  A full body Swedish (also known as Classical) Massage works with a pressure that suits you to stretch and promote relaxation of the muscles.  

Starting with movements known as Effleurage, this warms up the muscles encouraging them to relax.  These movements glide across the skin in straight or circular motions. 

This is followed by a slightly deeper movement called the Petrissage.  This can be done by kneading, lifting and rolling and works to relax, stretch and loosen the muscle tissue.   (Think along the lines of when you try to massage your own shoulders).

The rest of the treatment involves other movements such as tapotement, friction and vibration before finishing with more Effleurage to cool down the tissue, leaving you feeling like a whole new you!

 

What are the benefits?

The benefits for this treatment can include: 

Reduction in stress, tension, anxiety, low mood, aches and pains, headaches, tight muscles, blood pressure and heart rate.

Improves circulation, skin appearance, digestion, immune system.

Encourages lymphatic drainage, better sleep, emotional well-being, energy increase.

 

Can anyone have a Swedish Massage?

As with all therapies, it is recommended that you are physically well before having a treatment.  If you have a cold, flu, illness then you should wait until you have recovered before booking.  This protects you, me and other clients.

There are certain conditions that can restrict the treatment or in some cases, prevent you being able to have it.  

If you are pregnant, you are advised to seek the services of a therapist who is qualified in pregnancy massage.  If you have cancer, or are undergoing treatment for cancer, you can still have a treatment, provided your therapist is qualified in treating cancer clients.

Conditions such as blood disorders, blood clots, infectious diseases (this list is not exhaustive) are contraindications of the treatment.  In some cases, you will be required to bring a letter from your medical professional before the treatment can commence.  In the case of infectious disease, I will be unable to provide a treatment.

It is important to note that Swedish Massage is a COMPLEMTARY therapy, and works alongside conventional medicine.  It should never be seen as an alternative TO conventional medicine.  If you have any health concerns, your first call must be to a medical professional.

 

What should I wear?

In order to provide you with the best possible treatment, you will be required to undress to a level you are comfortable with (don't worry, this can be done with privacy).  You will be covered at all times with a towel and only the area being worked on will be exposed.

Be sure to wear something comfortable, because after your treatment, you will definitely want to stay in the headspace of relaxation.  It is advised that you wear something that you do not mind being contaminated with oil.  Although you won't leave oily, there may be traces of oil left on your body.

 

Are there any side effects?

There is a possibility that you could experience dizziness, headache, muscle tenderness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased urination, heightened emotions.  These are perfectly normal and usually subside within 24 hours.  If the symptoms persist, or you are concerned contact a medical professional.