Swedish Massage

Physical performance, whether endurance-based or strength-based can often consume all of our sports-related bandwidth. However, physical and mental performance and recovery are just as integral to our athletic performances. Swedish massage is one way to manage our aches and pains and boost our mental recovery as we strive to get better. Sometimes, taking a moment for rest and recovery can make all the difference.

What is a Swedish Massage

One of the most common massage therapies available, Swedish massage utilizes strategies such as kneading, tapping, and rubbing to release tension in the body, facilitate blood flow, and improve your mental state. Swedish massage can have the following benefits:

Lymph drainage – accumulation of lymphatic fluid can be relieved with Swedish massage. 

Stimulation of nerves – through the manipulation of muscles throughout the body, stimulation of the nerves occurs during Swedish massage, which can help reduce pain.

Improving mood – Swedish massage has been proven to help increase the production of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, which can improve your mood.
Decrease tension – most forms of massage, including Swedish massage, will lead to a decrease in tension in the body.

Swedish Massage versus Regular Massage

A ‘regular’ massage, full body massage, or standard massage, as it’s often referred to, may just be a regular, feel-good or tension-relieving massage. It may have no specific goal or technique, or it may incorporate techniques across different massage ideologies. A Swedish massage has a definitive goal which is aimed at promoting relaxation and improving circulation and it has its own technique – flowing strokes, kneading, and circular motions over the body. 

This same contrast holds true when comparing a Swedish massage with any other type of massage – either the goal of the massage or the technique used to achieve it may vary.

What type of Massage is best for athletes?

Depending on type of sport and purpose of the massage session, a pt or massage specialist can make a decision about which type of massage is best for a patient. With that in mind, there are generally two common massage types used on athletes:

1. The Swedish massage
2. The Sports massage

A sports massage may incorporate different massage techniques, including Swedish massage. However, other techniques may be appropriate for an individual and a provider may try different things during the massage to help treat specific injuries and promote healing.

On the other hand, a Swedish massage works very well and is considered a good starting point for athletes and anyone new to massage. It can relieve pain, muscle strain, and tension. The approach can be more relaxing and gentle, with the primary goal of improving circulation and calming the mind and body.

How long do the effects of massage last?

For almost everybody, the effects of a massage will be obvious for at least that day of the treatment and into the next day. Massages can and certainly do last longer than that, however. For those with conditions such as osteoarthritis or chronic pain, massages can last for days or weeks, and regularly getting a massage can lead to greatly decreased pain reduction altogether.
Massages also have a cumulative effect in the same way taking a daily supplement or regular exercise can lead to positive change over time. With frequent massage sessions, the body can start to hold on to the positive effects of treatments for longer and more efficiently, leading to even more lasting benefits from Swedish and other types of massages.