Swedish massage, also known as classic massage, is one of the most commonly practiced forms of massage in the West. This form of massage is good for relaxation, but also has therapeutic benefits. It helps increase circulation, thus increasing the oxygen and nutrients the cells receive. It also promotes the circulation of lymph. These two things alone help speed the recovery of sore muscles. Swedish massage consists of five basic strokes. Petrissage is one of those strokes. It is a kneading stroke that is usually done on large, meaty muscles. It’s best to do it on the thickest area of the muscle. Calves, thighs, shoulders and arms respond well to petrissage. It is sometimes difficult to do petrissage on the back.
With feedback from the person you’ll be working on, decide which area you want to work. This will generally be an area where the person you’re working on has felt some soreness.
2
Apply some massage lotion or oil to the area. Don’t use too much. If the region is too slippery, your hands will slip off, and you won’t be able to get deep into the muscle.
3
Find the thickest part of the muscle. This is also known as the belly of the muscle. This is the area you’ll petrissage.
4
Stand or sit so that you’re facing the person you’re massaging
5
Place both hands on the belly of the muscle so that your thumbs and forefingers of your opposite hand are slightly touching each other, forming a triangle. Your hands should be loose and relaxed.
6
Start with your right hand, and squeeze the muscle between your thumb and fingers. It’s almost like a pinching action. Let the muscle slide out of your hand.
7
As the muscle slides from the grip of your right hand, do the same action with your left hand. Squeeze the muscle between your thumb and fingers, and let the muscle slowing slide out of your grip.
8
As the left hand releases, being to squeeze again with the right. You do this same motion again and again in a rhythmic manner
9
Stay relaxed. Allowing your body to sway back in forth in time to the squeezing and releasing of the muscle. Swaying might help you stay relaxed while you do this massage stroke
10
Once you feel comfortable petrissaging this spot, let your hands move up and down along the muscle.
Tips & Warnings
Always listen to feedback from the person you’re massaging.
Don’t massage over the crease of the elbow, back of the knees or directly over the spine.
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