Swedish massage is a manual bodywork therapy that focuses primarily on long, flowing strokes and kneading through superficial layers of soft tissue (skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia).

Per Henrik Ling is credited as being the father of Swedish massage. The techniques he developed were intended to decrease tension in soft tissue, decrease physical stress, increase vascular and lymph flow, and decrease pain caused by soft tissue dysfunction.

Swedish massage is typically performed on a massage table. Therapists drape various areas of the client’s body after their clients disrobe to their comfort level. An oil, cream, or lotion is then applied to prevent friction on the skin. Swedish massage is performed using light pressure at a slow rate of speed.