There are many different massage places San Antonio has to offer and many types of massages available, from hot stones and rocks to shiatsu and deep tissue therapies. Swedish massage therapy is one of the most well-regarded types, having been successful in helping people relax and relieve pain for centuries. The main Swedish massage techniques are contained in the five strokes listed below:

• Effleurage
• Petrissage
• Friction
• Tapotement
• Vibration or shaking

Effleurage is done by making long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine, or from shoulders to fingertips. Then, all strokes move toward the heart for the purpose of aiding blood flow. These strokes are done with the whole hand or thumb pads. Petrissage involves lifting muscles gently up from the bones, rolling and squeezing them, and clears out toxins from nerves and muscle tissue. Friction, the most penetrative technique, using deep movements in circular or transverse patterns, made with fingertips or thumbs, and breaks down adhesions and knots in healing muscles, making them more flexible. Tapotement utilizes percussive movements to release tension and cramping from spasmed muscles. This is the chopping motion often seen in pop-culture representations of massages. The vibration or shaking phase increases circulation and is especially helpful for those with low back pain. Choose the top massage therapist San Antonio has to offer and give Lisa a call today.

Lisa Bates, a certified therapist in the San Antonio area, is well-versed in all of the above procedures. She is available for Swedish massage therapy, and has over a thousand hours of experience working with many satisfied clients. To learn more about how she can help you using Swedish massage techniques, contact her today.