Swedish massage was the brainchild of Swedish physiologist Henri Peter Ling, who brought the technique to the United States in 1858. Its purpose is to promote relaxation and release muscle tension, and it has expanded to include some stretching and aromatherapy. Regular massages may help reduce or relieve pain in some medical conditions, increase blood flow and reduce stress, each of which can improve overall health and well-being. The pressure applied to the body can range anywhere from light to deep, and can alternate, depending on the part of the body being worked on. Swedish massage is a forerunner of other types of massage, including sports massage for athletes or deep tissue massage.
A career in massage therapy has grown in popularity in recent years. As a result, a variety of schools have grown their curriculum to include classes on skills and abilities necessary to be successful, among them the proper techniques for Swedish massage. Cortiva Institute is among the most diverse locations for a job in massage therapy. The school has locations in seven states, Arizona, Illinois and Pennsylvania among them, and offers a holistic approach to education and opportunities for selecting a specialty. Among others, students must complete courses in Swedish massage, hydrotherapy and deep tissue massage prior to graduation. The program requires between 750 and 1,000 hours of study and clinical practice and can be completed in as few as nine months.
The National Holistic Institute was established in 1979 and today has six campuses throughout California. There are two educational plans available. The Core 720, which is the most popular, and includes classes in Swedish massage, shiatsu and myofascial therapy. Students of this program are also required to complete courses in business and science and hands-on clinical experience before graduation. The Advanced 400 program gives experienced massage therapists a more in-depth look at neuromuscular massage, deep tissue massage and injury rehabilitation. These classes count as continuing education credits for licensed therapists. An added bonus of NHI is the on-site student massage center, which is open to the public. Here students can utilize techniques and perfect the skills they learn in the classroom. The 720 Program requires 720 hours of education and can be completed in 10 to 12 months.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) is a multi-focus school that educates students in a variety of holistic treatments. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the school offers a massage therapy program that includes degree programs for Professional Massage Practitioners and Master Massage Practitioners. Students looking to become professional therapists must complete 700 hours of classroom time and practical experience. Students must finish courses in Swedish massage, shiatsu and deep tissue massage, and may choose additional training in special areas of interest. The professional program can be completed in as little as 11 months if done on a full-time basis, or 22 months if done part-time.