Swedish Massage is a complementary therapy which uses hand massage techniques such as stroking and kneading to work muscles in the body. Swedish massage can improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation. It can improve mood, aid sleep, relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, and alleviate pain.
During the first appointment with me, I will take your medical history. There are medical conditions that are contraindications for Swedish massage; if there is a contraindication, I will discuss this with you and explain why massage is not appropriate for you at this time. I use your medical history to inform my treatment plan. The first session includes an extra 15 mins to allow for paperwork such as reading/signing my privacy notice, gathering personal information i.e. medical history, and finding out what you are hoping for from the massage treatment. The treatment itself will be the length you have booked i.e. 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes.
You need to remove clothing for Swedish massage treatments. Please wear full briefs or shorts for the treatment. Treatments start with the client lying on their front. I use Songbird massage wax and give clients the choice of unscented or scented massage wax. The treatment normally starts with the back, neck, and shoulders being massage and depends on the length of treatment. I only offer full body treatments for 60mins and above. I am happy to adapt treatments to suit clients and will discuss this at the start. I will also check to see what kind of massage pressure you prefer. In terms of talking during treatments, I would encourage clients to be quiet and focus on relaxing through the treatment. I am happy to listen and respond if clients prefer to talk.
Occasionally after a Swedish massage treatment, you may have a healing response. This can mean that you may feel a bit off-colour, sleepy, or groggy. You may experience an emotional response. You may notice that the fascia in your body continue to respond after the treatment. This is normal and should pass within 24 hours. I normally suggest that you drink water after a treatment, do not do any strenuous exercise, and do not drink alcohol after a treatment.
You are welcome to book another appointment with me at the end of the session, or you can book, in your own time, using the Setmore booking app.
During follow up appointments, I start the session checking in on how you felt after the last treatment, asking if there have been any changes to your health, and what you would like the treatment to focus on.
I hope this is helpful and gives you an idea of what a Swedish Massage treatment looks like with me.