What is a Swedish Massage? At Our Redwood City Chiropractor

Swedish massage is the classic, well-known type of massage that most people think of when they hear the word “massage.” Swedish massage helps relax the body and the mind and is used as a tool to help our patients achieve total wellness. Swedish massage is an important aspect of our chiropractic treatment plan for many of our patients here in the Redwood City area. Massage helps enhance the effects of our natural chiropractic care and we also offer massage as a stand-alone treatment. If you have never had a massage before, you might start by receiving a Swedish massage from our licensed massage therapists.

Swedish Massage Techniques in Redwood City

When you arrive for your Redwood City massage, our therapist will talk with you and ask about your general health, recent or past injury, and any pain or muscle tension you are having. This allows the massage therapists to adjust the Swedish massage therapy to suit your needs. You’re encouraged to communicate with your massage therapist during the session as needed to ensure the best massage experience. 

Long, gliding strokes are the major characteristic of Swedish massage therapy. This type of massage is delivered in a relatively slow manner, with light, fluid strokes. If the client prefers, the massage can be done with more pressure, similar to a deep tissue massage. Your massage therapist will apply pressure as needed to tight, tense areas of your body, to help relax the muscles.

The major types of strokes used in Swedish massage include:

• Lengthy, circular strokes with the whole hand (effleurage strokes), with the most emphasis placed on stroking toward the heart.
• Deeper kneading strokes that lift a muscle, with a rolling and squeezing motion (petrissage strokes). 
• Deep side-to-side or circular strokes with the palms, or several fingers and thumb, pressing together (friction strokes). This is used to ease tight, knotted muscles around joints and the spine, to relieve pain and increase flexibility.
• Tapping strokes with the side of the hand (tapotement). For muscle spasms or cramps, this repeated, quick "karate chopping" motion eases the muscle tension and invigorates the body, increasing circulation. This stroke can also be done with the side of the fist.

Swedish Massage Advantages

Our Redwood City massage therapists perform Swedish massage in order to:

• Enhance circulation.
• Relieve pain.
• Ease anxiety and stress.
• Promote overall wellness.
• Help flush toxins from the body.
• Release muscle tension.
• Increase range of motion.
• Stimulate the immune system.
• And more.

Swedish Massage and Chiropractic Treatment in Redwood City, CA

If you would like to learn more about Swedish massage or chiropractic adjustment for natural, holistic wellness visit Awender Chiropractic Massage & Weight Loss in Redwood City, We also serve Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and the entire San Francisco Bay area. Contact us at 650-366-1273 today.