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Classic Swedish massage uses strokes to work the muscle tissue, promote circulation, relax tight muscles, help to reduce stress and promote well being. ​

  • I use smooth, gliding strokes, called "effleurage," to warm up the muscle tissue. It is done lightly slowly and becomes quickier and heavier, depending on your requirements, needs and preferences. In general, a slower pace is more relaxing and quicker is more invigorating
  • ​I use kneading of the muscle tissue by lifting and pulling the fleshy muscle away from the skeletal structure. This is called "petrissage." This starts to work the tissue a bit more deeply and helps to work away tension, improve circulation. These movement stimulate blood flow, help bring new fresh oygenated blood to your muscles leaving you feeling invigorated but relaxed and  soothed
  • ​Cross-fiber friction is used to target a particular trouble spot (called an "adhesion") to separate the tissues, restore circulation and make the muscle softer and more pliable. I use my thumb or palm... or sometimes even an elbow (the most intense). Cross-fiber friction might feel uncomfortable or good, depending on how much pressure I use and how you interpret the sensation. But I use continuous communication and feedback to manage the level of discomfort so it does not come pain
  • ​I also use passive stretching, such as moving your arm over your head to mobilize the joint. The stereotypical "karate chop" move from the movies, where the therapist quickly "chops" your muscles with the side of their hands, is not very common anymore, but I sometimes use it for tired, sore muscles to help stimulate them.

Massage promotes well being, relaxation and can make you feel less stressed, energised and reduce muscle stiffness, pain and improve range of movement.

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