A Swedish massage is a type of massage therapy that is performed with long, gliding strokes.

A Swedish massage typically uses five styles of long, gliding strokes. The five styles are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration.

Effleurage is a style of stroking that moves from the top of the body to the bottom in a systematic way. Petrissage is a kneading technique that incorporates circular movements on the surface area being massaged. Tapotement includes light striking or tapping movements on the muscles or tendons being massaged. Friction is a technique where pressure is applied to one part of the body by using another part of it (e.g., hands). Vibration involves shaking or vibrating parts of the body to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension.