The most common type of massage at the spa is the Swedish massage. This type of massage combines many different hands-on techniques, including kneading, gliding, and cross-fiber friction to help break adhesions or knots in the muscles.

Based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology, Swedish massage is different than energy work, using slow and gentle to vigorous and bracing massage, depending upon the healing that the therapist wants to achieve.

Swedish massage is performed by a registered massage therapist using massage oils, in a full body massage that takes 50 to 60 minutes to complete the massage.

Swedish massage and physical therapy was created by Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) of Smaaland, Sweden. He was a fencing master and physiologist. He designed a system called “Medical Gymnastics” in the early 19th century, which included movements performed by a therapist. In 1858, when these techniques came to North America, they were known as “the Swedish Movement Cure” or “Swedish Movements.” Nowadays, these techniques are simply known as Swedish Massage.