TECHNIQUES OF SWEDISH MASSAGE

Effleurage:
Stroking movement in which the hands glide with long even strokes over the body surfaces. Strokes are in the direction of the heart which helps push along the flow of blood and lymph.

Friction:
Compression movement performed with the thumb, fingertips, or the palm of the hand and in circular motion. Helpful in limbering joints.tendons and muscles.

Petrissage:
A compression movement using kneading, pressing, twisting, and squeezing muscle tissue creating a pumping action that forces the veneous blood and lymph onward and brings a fresh supply of blood to the muscle.

Tapotement:
Types of percussion movement that include quick strikes made with the hands or fingertips:

HACKING:
Using the heel or ulnar border of the hand, it is used on muscles around nerve centers.

TAPPING:
Using fingertips, with light to brisk movements.

CLAPPING:
Slapping, cupping performed with the palms or the flat surfaces of the hands and fingers.

BEATING:
Performed with a clenched hand, generally used on the buttocks and lower extremities.

Vibration:
A continuous trembling, pressing movement made with the hands or fingers.

Other Movements:
The following are variations in therapeutic movement:

ROLLING:
Tissue and muscles are compressed and twisted firmly against the bone.

CHUCKING:
Flesh is moved firmly up and down along the bone while the other hand steadies the limb.

WRINGING:
Flesh is twisted in opposite directions.

STRETCHES: Basic stretching methods to improve range of motion. Basic stretching methods to improve range of motion.