Relaxation massage, often called Swedish Massage, is known for long and broad sweeping strokes called ‘effleurage‘. These are coupled with ‘petrissage‘, which are kneading of dough like motions of the fists and fingers, and beating of drum like motions called ‘tapotement‘.
Swedish massage feels good because it is nice to be touched and the motions promote fluid circulation and tissue mobilisation. Being touched and cared for helps the nervous system to relax. A relaxed nervous system is a therapeutic outcome. Therefore we can make an argument that relaxation massage can be therapeutic.
Relaxation massages are typically based on sequences such as ‘full body’ or ‘head, neck and shoulders’. This means that every client will receive a similar experience covering the same areas of the body in the same order. Because relaxation massages follow a sequence / routine, they are relatively safe and predictable and can be performed by masseurs and massage therapists with less training.
Will it hurt? No. Relaxation Massages do not hurt. The repetitive rhythmic nature of the strokes desensitise tender soft tissues.