Is swedish massage the best massage

[GoodMassage]

I guess swedish massage is the best since it seems so popular with everyone. Should this be the place to start since everyone seems to know what it is. From a money standpoint it makes sense to choose one that will make me the most money and not waste my time learning the other ones. Not that they dont have anything to offer, its just that if I told most people that I do Rieki or something they wouldn't know what I was talking about and there goes my chance to make some money. I just need the best option to make the most money for the time being and then later I can explore the other ones.

-Rich

[healinghandsJen]

Swedish is one of the easiest to learn, and is one of the most widely known modalities. It is an excellent place to start. Most people looking for a massage are familiar with the long strokes, efflurage (sp?) and petrissage, the kneading and rolling techniques. Swedish mirrors what most people will do naturally to each other when giving a back rub/shoulder rub. Hope this helps.
- Jen

[giwhiz]

Jen's right. Its also the most "all-purpose". Its basically a medical discipline, but most of the techniques can also be used in relaxation massage.


Many therapists doing general work base their massage in Swedish, and use other techniques like deep tissue for problem areas.

Gi

[SDBliss]

EOM

[reikicara]

Yes, Swedish is the most common and probably what is most done in Spa settings. Other techniques you learn you will likely incorporate into your work, you just won't tell your clients that you are giving them a "Swedish/Neuro/Reiki/Shiatsu/Sports" massage.

I do deep tissue and I tell people my work is often a combo of Swedish and Deep Tissue so that problem areas are addressed and the whole body gets some attention. If they are there just for relaxation, then I don't mention Deep Tissue- they worry it will hurt and be rough!

[massagelondon]

I have learned several techniques which requires use of oil (swedish, Lomi ...) - but I don't use them anymore.

I prefer deeper techniques - working on the skeleton and especially spine - instead of just gliding over the skin/muscles. They are just that much more health beneficial.

[drvncmt]

Why is the client seeking a massage?
Stressed out dealing with personal problems! A relaxing Swedish massage may be best-make it a long one-- sympathic nervious system (fight or flight) kicks in first--after about 15 min. the Parasympathic (rest & digest) takes over and a rhythmic swedish massage would be the ticket.
Theraputic massage would be better for complaints of sorness of muscles-- Do swedish then when you get to hypertonic muscles work more there (compression, PNF stretching, TrP work, etc).
Sometimes muscle pain is from weak overstretched muscles and shortened tight antiganist. You may see postural changes ( ie. forward shoulder posture). The client may C/O carpal tunnel, Plantar fasciitis, or other conditions ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE may be indicated (see www.orthomassage.net for info on this modality)
So you see the answer to your question depends on the clients reason for seeking massage.