Venues offering Swedish Massage

Swedish massage (classic massage) is the basis of modern Western massage techniques and the most widely practised type of massage in the world. It is given with oil or lotion, on a table, with you suitably covered by a sheet; pressure is light to medium. The aim of Swedish massage is not to work deep into the muscle tissue but to increase surface circulation and bring general relaxation.

The five basic strokes and how the session flows

Swedish massage is built on five basic strokes: long gliding strokes (effleurage), kneading (petrissage), friction, rhythmic tapping (tapotement) and vibration. Each area is usually first warmed with gliding strokes; kneading and friction follow, tapping and vibration are used in shorter bursts, and the section closes again with gliding strokes.

Most sessions start face down with the back, shoulders and backs of the legs; you then turn onto your back for the fronts of the legs, the arms, shoulders and neck. Some venues end the session with a scalp massage. In a short conversation before the session you are asked about your health, your pressure preference and any areas you do not want worked on; pressure is adjusted to your preference at the start of and during the session.

Duration and frequency

A 50-60 minute Swedish massage session covers the whole body; short 30-minute sessions usually focus on the back, neck and shoulders. 90 minutes is for those who want to spend longer on problem areas. One or two sessions a month is a common pattern for general relaxation; during busy periods the interval can be shortened. Changing and preparation time is often not counted in the session time, so arriving a few minutes early for your appointment lets you use the whole session.

Benefits and realistic expectations

Swedish massage temporarily increases surface circulation and may help reduce muscle tension and aid relaxation. General stress, irregular sleep, shoulder and neck tension from desk work, and circulation-related complaints are the most common reasons for choosing it. Relaxation and slight drowsiness are to be expected after the session; marked soreness the next day is not. If you feel pain during a light-to-medium pressure session, you should tell the therapist straight away. It should not be expected to resolve a pronounced muscle knot or long-standing pain in a single session; a different type of massage is better suited to such goals.

Who it suits and who should consult a doctor

Swedish massage suits people who are uncomfortable with deep pressure, older guests and those new to massage. It is also a simple, predictable option for those who just want to unwind after a busy week without any particular pain complaint. Because it gives a clear framework for learning what is done and what to expect, it is a safe start for anyone trying massage for the first time; to prepare, see the guide for first-time massage clients.

Massage should be postponed if you have a fever, an active skin infection or an open wound. A doctor's approval is needed with a history of deep vein thrombosis, advanced varicose veins, uncontrolled blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, use of blood thinners, recent surgery and during cancer treatment. During pregnancy, pregnancy massage should be chosen instead.

Compared with deep tissue, sports and aromatherapy massage

Swedish massage is most often confused with deep tissue massage, because the strokes used in the two are similar. The difference lies in pace and aim: deep tissue massage uses slower, stronger pressure to reach the deeper layers of the muscle in a specific problem area. If a specific muscle knot or chronic tension is the target, deep tissue massage is the better choice; for choosing by pressure, see the guide Swedish massage or deep tissue: choosing by pressure.

Sports massage is planned around a training schedule and focuses on the muscle groups the sport loads; for athletes' complaints it is more suitable than Swedish massage. Aromatherapy massage, for its part, uses gentle strokes close to those of Swedish massage, but puts the scent of the chosen essential oils at the centre of the session.

Price and questions to ask before booking

The price of Swedish massage varies with session length, the type of venue (hotel spa, day spa, massage centre), whether sauna or hammam use is included, and weekend or seasonal differences; the difference between a short back-and-neck session and a full-body session is also marked. For the general picture, see the guide to massage and spa prices. When booking, ask:

• Whether the stated time is the massage time or the total time including preparation.
• If there is an area you want focused on, whether the length you have chosen is enough for it.
• Whether you can request a female or male therapist.
• Whether there is a short consultation before the session about any medication you take or your health.