Swedish massage is one of the most widely used types of massage therapy in the United States. Using a variety of rolling, kneading, and tapping movements, a Swedish massage can help relax clients, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation. As an online center for continuing education, HICI Go offers a wide range of online massage courses to help therapists achieve their learning goals. In addition to online learning, in-person instruction is available through HICI Go’s partner institutions in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Learn more about the style and benefits of a Swedish massage.
What Is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is a common therapeutic service offered by spas and salons. This type of massage focuses on relaxing the muscles and improving circulation. When performing a Swedish massage, therapists use five different strokes:
- Effleurage: The therapist moves their hands in long, gliding strokes over the client’s back, arms, and legs.
- Friction: The massage therapist rubs their hands together to create heat, and then places their hands on the client to warm their muscles.
- Petrissage: From the French word for kneading, this technique helps release muscle tension. The therapist may use their thumbs or knuckles in petrissage.
- Tapotement: In this technique, the therapist taps or drums on the client’s body with their hands or fingertips.
- Vibration: With this stroke, the therapist uses a rapid back-and-forth motion to relax tight muscles.
The therapist will usually focus on the client’s back, shoulder, and neck. They may also apply these strokes to the arms, legs, hands, and feet. A Swedish massage appointment is usually around an hour for a full body massage, although some therapists may offer a shorter 30-minute service. The massage is performed while the client is lying on their stomach on a treatment table. The therapist may use massage oils or aromatherapy during treatment.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
Unlike deep-tissue massage, Swedish massage targets superficial muscles and uses gentle manipulation techniques. The benefits of Swedish massage include:
- Improved circulation: Effleurage opens the client’s blood vessels and increases blood flow, helping deliver oxygen to muscles throughout the body.
- Pain management: Clients with chronic pain issues like arthritis often find that regular massage helps them improve muscle flexibility and range of motion.
- Boosted mood: After a massage, clients may have higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, which promote emotional well-being.
- Stress management: The gentle movements and soothing environment of a Swedish massage are designed to promote relaxation and help the client feel calm. After a massage, clients may find they sleep better, have more energy, or feel less stressed.
Plus, by lowering the cortisol levels that heighten feelings of stress, Swedish massage may help boost a client’s immune system, making them less likely to get sick. Swedish massage can be practiced on clients of all ages and backgrounds, though it may not be a good fit for clients who are pregnant or have cardiovascular issues.
Accessible Continuing Education Courses
Massage therapists have an opportunity to support their clients on a journey to wellness. Learning new techniques, refreshing their existing skills, and staying engaged with the industry can help massage therapists improve their services. At HICI Go, we make it easy to shop for courses to meet continuing education requirements for massage therapy and other licensed wellness professions. Beyond massage, HICI Go offers courses in:
- Barbering: Brush up on hair-cutting techniques, as well as requirements like health and sanitation.
- Business: Develop finance and marketing skills geared toward licensed professionals who want to open a business or already operate one.
- Hair: Cosmetology professionals can learn about the latest industry developments and tools.
- Makeup: Learn new makeup application techniques, as well as how to perform services like microblading or lash extensions.
- Nails: Manicurists and nail technicians can stay abreast of the newest trends.
Through our partnership with Cortiva Institute and Hollywood Institute, HICI Go provides in-person instruction in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Learners throughout the U.S. can access live webinars and video courses available online anytime. Additionally, students who enroll in live courses at a partner institution will receive an account for online instruction through HICI Go.
Learn Massage With HICI Go
With an extensive catalog of courses and flexible scheduling options, HICI Go makes it easy to stay up to date on the latest innovations and techniques in massage therapy. Online instruction is available throughout the U.S. and in-person courses are offered in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Wherever you’re located, you can search for courses on our user-friendly platform and sign up for the ones that interest you. Plus, you don’t have to be a licensed massage therapist to take a HICI Go course – registration is open to students and casual learners, as well. To learn more about massage continuing education courses, contact us today.