Swedish Recipe

Room and table setup

Set the massage table or padded surface in a quiet area. Cover with a clean fitted sheet and place towels nearby. Position a pillow or bolster for under the client's knees when face up and another for head support when face down. Adjust room temperature to a comfortable level (about 24°C / 75°F) and play soft, relaxing music if desired.

Hygiene

Therapist washes hands thoroughly with soap and water or uses sanitizer. Ensure nails are trimmed and smooth. Remove any jewelry that might catch on linens or the client.

Consultation

Briefly consult with the client about their medical history, areas of pain or tension, recent injuries, allergies (especially to nuts or fragrances), and pressure preference (light to medium for Swedish massage). Confirm consent and explain draping procedures for privacy.

Positioning

Ask the client to lie face down, properly draped with a towel exposing only the area being worked on. Place a bolster under the ankles to reduce lower back strain. Confirm comfort and breathing before beginning.

Prepare oil

Pour approximately 1/2 cup carrier oil into a small bowl or keep in a pump bottle. If using essential oil, add about 6 drops to the carrier oil and mix (safe dilution for an adult is typically 1-2% essential oil in carrier oil). Warm the oil slightly by rubbing it between your palms; test temperature on your inner wrist.

General guidelines

Use light to medium pressure, long flowing strokes, and maintain consistent contact. Keep movements rhythmic and symmetrical when working bilateral body parts. Communicate with the client and adjust pressure as needed. Breathe and use your body weight rather than just your hands to avoid therapist fatigue.

1. Effleurage (warm-up)

Apply a small amount of warmed oil to your hands. Begin with effleurage — long gliding strokes using the palm, heel of the hand, or fingers. Start at the lower back and stroke upward toward the shoulders, then stroke downward toward the lower back. Spend about 3–5 minutes to warm muscles and spread oil evenly.

2. Petrissage (kneading)

Using both hands, perform kneading motions (lift, squeeze, and release) on the larger muscle groups: the paraspinals, gluteal muscles, and the posterior thighs. Work each area for about 2–3 minutes, moving methodically and maintaining even pressure.

3. Friction

Apply small, firm circular motions with your fingertips or thumbs to specific tight spots (trigger points) along the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Use deeper but controlled pressure for about 30–60 seconds per spot, then follow with an effleurage stroke to help tissue relaxation.

4. Tapotement (optional, light)

If appropriate and desired, perform light rhythmic tapping or hacking motions with the side of your hands for 30–60 seconds over the back or thighs to stimulate circulation. Keep it gentle so it remains within a light to medium pressure range.

5. Rolling & stretching

Use gentle rolling with forearms or palms down the length of muscles (e.g., trapezius to deltoid) and incorporate passive range-of-motion stretches for the shoulders and hips. Support the limb and move slowly, holding each stretch for 10–20 seconds without forcing.

6. Final effleurage & closure

Finish with long, calming effleurage strokes from the distal limbs toward the heart to encourage venous flow. Reduce pressure gradually, ending with feather-light strokes. Allow the client a moment to rest before assisting them into a seated position. Offer water and remind them to move slowly when standing.

Aftercare advice

Advise the client to hydrate well, avoid strenuous activity for the next few hours, and to report any unexpected pain or prolonged soreness. Recommend gentle stretching if appropriate.

Cleanup

Remove used linens and place them in a laundry bag. Wipe and sanitize the table and any props. Refill oil pump if necessary and wash hands. Document any notable findings or client feedback in records.