Swedish massage is a manual oil therapy conceptualized in the 19th century by the fencing master Henrik Ling. In this sheet, you will discover this massage in more detail, its principles, its techniques, its history, its benefits, how a session takes place, how to become a therapist and finally, the contraindications.

Often regarded as the most classic form of body approach, Swedish massage is a dynamic massage technique that aims to dissolve tension and strengthen muscles and joints. Its toning and relaxing effect promotes blood and lymphatic circulation and the elimination of toxins, and helps the body to regain its natural balance.

The main principles

Swedish massage is a very classic oil massage that requires fluid and long movements (see techniques below). The theoretical springs of this discipline are numerous: its creator, PH Ling was inspired by knowledge in physiology, anatomy and the concepts of physical education of the Nordic peoples. He also used his experience of movement as a fencing master and his knowledge of ancestral massage techniques used by gymnastic doctors in the Greco-Roman era. One last element has come to complete the basic rules of his approach: the power of thought over the body.

The technique involves several basic maneuvers that have remained the same for generations:

• The effleurage: this maneuver often takes place at the beginning and at the end of the massage. It consists in making slow and rhythmic movements towards the heart in order to relax and prepare the individual for other maneuvers.
• Kneading: carried out using the pulp of the thumbs and fingers, this maneuver aims to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles. The soft tissues of the body are stretched and kneaded deeply.
• Friction: Friction is the most powerful part of massage. It aims to soften the fabrics while breaking the knots. Here, the masseur presses the massager’s tissues using his hand, fingers or thumbs via a circular motion.
• Percussion: Percussions are rhythmic blows made using the hands, fingers and fists. Beginning slowly, the strokes accelerate over the course of the massage and then slow down.
• The vibration: the vibrations make it possible to stimulate the nerve endings via a very gentle pressure of the fingers and the hands on the tissues. This pressure causes rapid tremors that act on the nervous, muscular and lymphatic systems.

These maneuvers make it possible to solicit all the muscles and to work them in depth. Performed in a specific order, they create effects similar to those obtained by gymnastics.

Numerous clinical trials have been carried out to assess the effectiveness of Swedish massage. Unfortunately, several of them were published only in the Swedish language, which prevents us from taking them into consideration in research. On the other hand, some studies published in English indicate that this type of massage could have effects on different specific ailments. In addition, many studies confirm the effectiveness of massage in general to relieve various ailments. For more details, see the Massotherapy sheet.

Decrease back pain

In 2009, a systematic review evaluated the effect of massage in the treatment of lower back pain. According to the authors’ conclusions, Swedish massage may be beneficial in patients with acute (4 to 12 weeks) and chronic (more than 12 weeks) lower back pain. Note that this type of massage would be more effective in combination with exercise or education programs.

Decrease postoperative pain and distress

A clinical trial was carried out to determine the effect of Swedish massage on postoperative symptoms following a laparotomy (incision of the abdomen). On the day of the operation, then over the next 2 days, 146 women received standard care, or the same care accompanied by a Swedish massage, or care and vibration therapy (low-frequency sounds and vibrations ). The results show that the Swedish massage would have had a slight effect on postoperative pain and distress, but that it would not be greater than in the case of the other 2 procedures.

Contribute to well-being during bone marrow transplantation

In a clinical trial, the effects of 3 types of intervention were evaluated (Swedish massage, therapeutic touch and friendly visit). Participants received an average of 15 30-minute treatments. The physiological complications remained the same between the 3 groups. However, the patients in the massage group had an easier time resting, communicating with their families, and felt less depressed and anxious.

Reduce pain and tension in nurses

A pilot study has shown that it is possible to integrate massage therapy in the hospital context, and that it helps reduce perceived pain and tension. To this end, 10 nurses and 2 supervisory staff received 4-8 15-minute Swedish massage sessions, averaged 9 days apart. In addition to the reduction in pain and tension, an increase in the degree of relaxation and an improvement in mood in general have been reported. However, the lack of a control group limits the scope of this study, as a 15-minute rest session might have been sufficient to produce the same results.

Relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee

A pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of Swedish massage in 68 subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. The results show that these treatments could lead to improvements in range of motion and functional capacity, and reduce pain. The authors conclude that Swedish massage appears to be a safe treatment, particularly in addition to conventional treatments.

The specialist

Swedish massage specialists can come from different professional fields. Indeed, this type of massage is widely used in beauty centers, tanning and hairdressing salons as well as in resorts. Swedish massage is also practiced in private practice, in health centers, as well as in medical environment.

Course of a session

A Swedish massage session usually lasts 1 hour. At the first meeting, the massage therapist performs a health check-up to ensure that there are no contraindications to treatment. Swedish massage is performed on a massage table on a naked person or in underwear, or on a massage chair while remaining dressed. The therapist tries to be guided by the breathing of the person being massaged. He uses oil or lotion and performs the movements continuously. The massage generally ends with a rest period of variable duration allowing to fully enjoy the benefits. Swedish massage places particular emphasis on muscles and joints, but also has effects on the nervous and circulatory systems.

Become a practitioner

There is no official body overseeing Swedish massage training. It is the professional associations that ensure that quality standards are met both in terms of training and practice. Swedish massage is taught in massage therapy schools and can also be part of training programs in physiotherapy, orthotherapy, hydrotherapy or sports massage.

In Quebec, training generally lasts 165 hours. The technique is part of a 400-hour diploma program in massage therapy practitioner. In France, there are some organizations that offer 21-hour training over 3 days.

To learn about the technique, one-day or weekend workshops are also offered to the general public.

Contraindications of Swedish massage

While massage is generally considered to be quite safe for most people, it is not always risk free and there are some contraindications to be aware of. For example, some studies indicate that massage can increase blood pressure and lower heart rate and should be preceded and followed by an evaluation of these parameters when performed on patients sensitive to these changes. In the event of circulatory disorders (phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins), cardiac disorders (arteriosclerosis, hypertension, etc.) and diabetics, it is better to obtain medical advice. In addition, it is strongly recommended not to practice massage on the site of an infection, a recent wound or in the healing phase, acute inflammation or bruises.

Swedish massage was developed by the Swede Per Henrik Ling1 (1776-1839), who was at the same time doctor, teacher and poet. Ling is, however, best known for his so-called “Swedish” gymnastics method (Svenska Gymnastikens). He taught it at the first gymnastics school he founded in Stockholm in 1814, and headed until 1836, the Royal Gymnastics Central Institute.

It wasn’t until 1900 that Swedish massage gained worldwide recognition, in part thanks to his son Hjalmar who continued his teaching. But above all thanks to the British doctor Mathias Roth who opposed Ling’s detractors by publishing the first book in English on the foundations of his method. PH Ling considered the term “massage” to be too general to designate his technique and, if we had listened to it, it would be called today: “passive patient exercises”. Swedish massage took root in America around the turn of the XNUMXth century, wherever Scandinavian immigrants settled. Nowadays, this massage is the most popular type of massage in the United States and Europe.