Which methods are typically used in Swedish massage therapy?

Swedish massage therapy is characterized by its use of specific techniques that aim to promote relaxation, increase circulation, and relieve muscle tension. The primary methods employed in this type of massage include effleurage and petrissage.

Effleurage involves long, gliding strokes that help to warm up the muscles and improve blood flow. This technique is often used at the beginning of a massage to establish a connection with the client and prepare their body for deeper work. Petrissage, on the other hand, consists of kneading, rolling, and squeezing actions that help to relieve muscle knots and enhance flexibility. These techniques are designed to manipulate muscle tissues effectively, encouraging relaxation and facilitating recovery from physical stress.

The other options presented are not reflective of the core techniques associated with Swedish massage. Acupuncture and dry needling are practices rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, utilizing needles for therapeutic purposes. Heat therapy and cold compresses are often used to relieve pain and swelling but do not constitute the fundamental methods of Swedish massage. Reiki and craniosacral therapy involve energy work and body alignment but are distinct from the physical manipulation techniques employed in Swedish massage.