When you’re planning to get a massage, the options can be overwhelming. How do you choose between all the different kinds? The truth is, it depends on why you want one in the first place and what you’re hoping to gain from it. If you want an “overall” massage, something that will provide rejuvenation, stress relief, and reduced tension throughout your body, what you’re looking for is a Swedish massage. It’s a great choice if you want to come out of your session feeling brand new. Zoe Zimmerman, a licensed massaged therapist and the proprietor of Zoe's Zen Time in Shawano, WI, offers the following guide.

What Sets Swedish Massage Apart?

Many types of massage have specific purposes. Deep tissue, for example, is meant to target one or two specific areas of pain, while a sports massage focuses on treating injuries and improving flexibility. A Swedish massage, on the other hand, provides an experience of overall relaxation, calm, and rejuvenation that helps the whole body.

Swedish Massage Techniques

Despite its name, a Swedish massage is not actually Swedish. In Europe, it is more commonly known as classic massage and was originally practiced by Johan Georg Mezger, a Dutchman who developed the techniques that are still used today. These include effleurage, a technique that consists of long, sweeping strokes; petrissage, in which the muscles are worked by the fingers and palms like kneading dough; friction, the application of direct pressure to individual spots on the body using knuckles, thumbs, and fingers; and tapotement, percussive tapping and chopping.

When you’re ready to have an experience of complete relaxation and calm, call (715) 304-6137 to make an appointment at Zoe’s Zen Time today. Visit their website to find about the various types of massage and other services they have to offer.