Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is a time-tested, research-backed method for promoting relaxation, relieving stress, improving circulation, and enhancing overall wellness. Whether you're recovering from a long work week, managing mild muscle soreness, or simply in need of some self-care, Swedish massage offers a gentle but powerful way to recharge both body and mind.
Book A Mobile MassageWhat is Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a therapeutic full-body massage technique that uses long, gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and gentle joint movement. It was developed in the early 1800s by Swedish physiologist Per Henrik Ling and remains a foundational modality in massage therapy.
Unlike deep tissue massage, which targets deeper muscle layers and is often more intense, Swedish massage primarily focuses on the superficial muscles and aims to increase circulation, promote relaxation, and enhance physical and mental well-being.
A deep relaxing massage benefitting body & mindWhat are the benefits of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is one of the most popular and widely practiced forms of massage therapy, known for its relaxing and restorative effects. It uses a combination of gentle strokes, kneading, and rhythmic movements to support overall well-being. Some of the key benefits this soothing technique include:
Swedish massage helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and well-being. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, Swedish massage has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood in a wide range of clients (AMTA).
The long, rhythmic strokes used in Swedish massage promote healthy blood flow, which can aid in removing metabolic waste from muscle tissues and support oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Though gentler than deep tissue massage, Swedish massage still provides enough pressure to release mild muscle knots and help relieve tension caused by posture, inactivity, or minor overuse.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a single session of Swedish massage significantly increased lymphocyte count, suggesting a potential positive impact on immune system activity (Rapaport et al., 2010).
Many people report better sleep after a Swedish massage. The calming effect on the nervous system can reduce insomnia and promote more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish massage uses light to moderate pressure with long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and ease mild tension—ideal for stress relief and first-time clients. Deep tissue massage uses slower, more intense pressure to target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, making it better suited for chronic pain, stiffness, or injury recovery.
No, Swedish massage is generally not painful—it’s meant to be soothing and relaxing.