Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68016
IS SWEDISH MASSAGE DEAD? of soft-tissue structures that had names like "holding," "pressing," "shaking," "clapping," and "sawing." Dr. Johann Mezger (1839–1909) in Holland later classified these manipulations in categories with French names: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction (rubbing), vibration (vibration), and tapotement (tapping). Active-passive movements are now referred to as resisted range of motion; the patient attempted to move in a certain manner while the attendant resisted this movement. This helped to strengthen the patient's muscles.8 Ling's system came to be known as the Swedish Movements and gained popularity across Europe and America. Later, Mezger promoted soft-tissue manipulations and formed the earliest known association of masseurs—the Dutch Association for Medical Gymnastics and Massage. In the mid-1800s, the Swedish Movements were gaining acceptance across Europe and physician Mathias Roth, who studied with Ling at the Royal Central Institute, published the first English language book on the subject (The Prevention and Cure of Many Chronic Diseases by Movements). Roth, in turn, taught the Swedish Movement techniques to a New York physician named Charles Taylor, whose brother, George, also studied the Swedish Movements, but in Sweden. These two brothers are responsible for bringing the Swedish Movements to America and for promoting its uses and benefits until their deaths in 1899. Over time, some of the Swedish exercises were either dropped or evolved as part of physical therapy. Massage therapists emphasized the parts of the Swedish Movements that manipulated soft tissue and gradually the system became known as Swedish massage.9 Based on this history, I believe massage therapists should stop using the term "relaxation massage" synonymously with Swedish massage. Swedish was the original treatment Vibration. A pulsating tremor-like or oscillating stroke. massage system. It does more—much more—than just relax the body. SWEDISH TECHNIQUES REVISITED So, how are your Swedish skills? Try the following. Write down a definition of each Swedish stroke and its general effects. I found this little self-test rather difficult (it's been more than 10 years since massage school), so I did some research and made myself a table for review (see Classic Swedish Techniques, page 41). Then, I practiced each stroke and tried to put them together in a flowing progression without adding any fancy techniques from other massage systems. In my work, I always warm up the client's body with effleurage, and I use a lot of friction and joint movement, so these strokes came naturally. However, I found that I needed to refine my petrissage, vibration, and tapotement, and then work on the smoothness of the transitions between the strokes. I went right back to Massage 101; it was a great experience. I did my very best Swedish massage on every one of my friends and family members who I work on regularly and I gathered their feedback. All of them were enthusiastic about how revitalized they felt and expressed a desire for more Swedish massage. Tapotement. A rapid and rhythmic percussion stroke where the hands are used in various formations to drum on the client. connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 43