MM Chapter 13: Swedish Massage Techniques

Friction is a heat-producing, chafing stroke applied either with light, brisk strokes (superficial friction) or with depth (circular, linear, or cross-fiber friction). The word “friction” comes from the Latin frictio meaning “to rub.” In a traditional Swedish progression of strokes, friction is applied after petrissage, using little or no lubricant. It is used to heat […]

Petrissage is a rhythmic stroke that lifts the muscle off the bone and other muscles, compresses it between the fingers, and rolls the muscle fibers as the muscle falls back into position. The word “petrissage” is from the French verb for “to knead.” This technique is often used after effleurage strokes have warmed the muscle

Effleurage is a long, gliding stroke delivered with a light, medium, or sometimes deep pressure that usually follows the direction of the muscle fibers. The word “effleurage” derives from the French verb meaning “to skim” or “to touch lightly.”  This stroke is often the first applied to a body area. It is used to spread

Chapter 1 introduced you to the history of Swedish massage. Per Henrik Ling of Sweden developed a system of medical gymnastics in the early 19th century that became known as the Swedish Movements. Dr. Johann Mezger gave French terms to these techniques used to loosen and manipulate muscles. In the mid-1800s, the Swedish Movements gained