Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best-known type of massage. If it's you're first time at the spa, Swedish massage is the perfect place to start. State your preference for pressure during Swedish massage. It can range from light to firm. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension. If you want more intensive work and firmer pressure, get a deep tissue massage.
Swedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure."
Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.