How to Give Swedish Arm Massage

Swedish massage is the most common types of massage in the United States, and uses a variety of techniques to relieve tension in the muscles of the body. Many massage therapists find that the arms are one of the most challenging areas to work. However, with a few simple tricks you can simplify your next Swedish massage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Massage the arms from fingertips to shoulders to help the blood circulate towards the heart. Place the clients arm palm down just a few inches from the body, and cup your hands on either side of their wrist. Your thumbs should barely touch, with your palms and fingers wrapping around the arm.

2. Apply a light pressure with the heels of your hands as you gently push all the way up the length of the arm. Remember that Swedish massage is not deep tissue massage. Your steady, firm yet gentle pressure will allow the superficial muscles to work the deeper muscles. However, your fingers or the bones of your palms and wrists should never "dig" into the clients' muscles.

3. Continue with even pressure up to the shoulder and then wrap your hands gently around the shoulder to end the stroke smoothly. You can also continue the movement with your outside hand, working up the neck to massage the muscles of the upper arms, shoulders and neck.

4. Use your entire body to create the gently stroking movement and not just your arms. This is a common technique in all Swedish massage moves. By pushing from your legs and hips, you reduce the stress on your lower back and arms, making the massage less stressful on your body.

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