The goal of Swedish massage is to provide relaxation. Techniques used are effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement. The client undress at their comfort level and properly draped throughout the entire massage session (either 1, 1.5, or 2 hours). The massage starts in a prone position (client lay down on the table face down) and then later on switch to the supine (face up) position. Treatment areas: Neck, Back, shoulder, arms, hands, gluteus, legs, feet. Pressure applied: clients’ preference (light, moderate, or heavy/deep pressure).
| Type of Massage | Pre-Event | Post-Event | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Excite muscle to get ready for activity | Restore muscles to their initial strength (stretching) | Relaxation, maintain & improve range of motion |
| Area of Treatment | Arms, Legs, Back | Arms, Legs, Back | Full body |
| Pressure | Superficial massage | Superficial then deep massage | Superficial then deep massage |
| Speed | Fast | Slow | Slow |